Active Weather Alerts
Red Flag Warning
Issued: 4:04 PM May. 15, 2026 – National Weather Service
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY OVER FAR NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN... * AFFECTED AREA...Vilas. * TIMING...Until 9 PM CDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the mid 80s. * IMPACTS...Fires will start easily and spread quickly in these conditions. Outdoor burning should not be attempted. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website at apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/#/BurnRestrictions and click on the appropriate county to view current burning restrictions. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Critical fire weather conditions are also possible across northern Wisconsin on Saturday as temperatures reach around 80, relative humidity drops to 17-22 percent, and west winds gust to around 25 mph. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions are imminent. A combination of strong winds, very low relative humidity, warm temperatures and exceptionally dry fuels will create dangerous wildland fire conditions. Persons are urged to be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire. Campfires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, chain saws, and all-terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this red flag warning. &&
Special Weather Statement
Issued: 8:39 AM May. 15, 2026 – National Weather Service
...NEAR CRITICAL TO CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED ACROSS PARTS OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN THIS AFTERNOON AND SATURDAY... Pine fuels have reached their peak volatility and fine fuels have still not greened up over northern Wisconsin, so periods of dry and windy weather will bring near-critical to critical fire weather conditions through Saturday. Critical fire weather conditions are expected across far north central Wisconsin this afternoon and early evening, and a Red Flag Warning has been posted for Vilas County. Despite light rainfall overnight, fine fuels should have an opportunity to dry out by afternoon. Weather conditions should reach critical levels, with highs around 80, low relative humidity and southwest winds gusting to 25 to 30 mph. Very dry air will reside over northern Wisconsin on Saturday. Very low relative humidity, west winds gusting to 25 mph and warm temperatures will lead to near-critical to critical fire weather conditions across the Northwoods Saturday afternoon. Residents are urged to be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire. Campfires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, chain saws, and all-terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire.
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