Red Flag Warning, Extreme Heat Warning issued for northeastern Minnesota

Josh Hinke | July 12, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning beginning Sunday, July 12, for Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties. The agency has also issued Extreme Heat Warnings for portions of the region through Monday evening.

During a Red Flag Warning, burning permits are not issued or activated. Residents are prohibited from burning brush or yard debris. Officials are urging people to check recent campfires and other burn sites to ensure fires are completely extinguished. People should also use extreme caution when conducting activities that can generate sparks or heat near vegetation, including securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and operating chainsaws or other equipment.

The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the 90s across much of the Northland, with dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s. Similar conditions are expected Tuesday.

During the heat warning, residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Wildfires continue to burn across St. Louis County. The largest, the Bear Trap Fire, had grown to approximately 200 acres as of July 12. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation process has been activated for a small area in northern St. Louis County due to wildfire conditions.