The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for St. Cloud and western central Minnesota.

St. Cloud State University Meteorology Professor Bob Weisman says a combination of high temperatures, strong winds, low humidity and rainfall put the area at the highest level of fire danger.

South winds will have gusts as high as 20-35 mph.The humidity will also decrease 20-25 percent.

Residents from western Stearns County to the west of Granite Falls, Willmar and Staples will be in the area where the advisory is in effect from until 7 p.m. Weisman says expect these conditions Friday.

Today is also the statewide tornado drill. It will happen one time at 1:45 p.m. and one time at 6:55 p.m. It helps residents, schools and businesses to be prepared for tornadoes.