Posted: 7/14/06
Operation Stay Cool attempts to help Minnesotans stay cool during heat wave
The National Weather Service Thursday has issued a Heat Watch, for Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
The Minnesota Health Department in turn sent a Health Alert Network message to state and local agencies in the affected areas advising them to review their heat emergency response, if prepared to do so, and to begin response preparations in the event the situation is upgraded to a Heat Advisory and/or an Excessive Heat Warning. In the event that the National Weather Service does issue a Heat Advisory or an Excessive Heat Warning, MDH will issue another Health alert to these organizations.
SuperHot
SuperHot coalition members were in touch throughout Thursday ensuring that public messages regarding self-protection were consistent and appropriate. The SuperHot coalition includes the Minnesota Department of Health, United Way 2-1-1, the Red Cross, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management and local government agencies.
Department of Natural Resources
Forest Fires
While some precipitation was received across the state last night, it was very isolated and scattered. The fire danger is expected to increase as temperatures and winds are expected to rise over the weekend. The current wildfire index is ìhighî and continued dry weather could increase the fire danger level within the next two weeks.
The Minnesota Interagency Fire Council (MIFC) in Grand Rapids reports that there are several small fires a day. Brainerd, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Deer River, Hibbing, Littlefork, Little Falls, and Sandstone DNR areas reported fires on Thursday.
Fire activity over the weekend could reach extreme levels in northwestern Minnesota. Last night's rainfall was spotty and many areas are still several inches behind on accumulated precipitation. Dry, hot weather is expected to continue through much of next week with near Red Flag conditions on Saturday. Fire conditions and indices are at near record levels.
Starting July 14 the following counties will have restrictions on burning permits. Permits will only be issued by the Department of Natural Resources Forestry office. In northwestern MN these restrictions will be in effect for: Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, Pennigton, Roseau, Marshall, Kittson, Hubbard, Clearwater, Mahnomen, north Cass, Wadena, part of Becker and parts of Itasca and Koochiching counties. In central Minnesota, the following counties will be restricting burning permits: Dakota, Scott, Carver, Washington, Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Isanti and Chisago. A map showing firerestriction is available on the Web at The MIFC has positioned planes and a helicopter in Hibbing, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Ely to fight possible fires. Three tanker bases have been reactivated after only being closed a few short weeks. Since they reopened, the DNR CL-215 water-scooping aircraft, and helicopters have responded to help suppress a number of fires in the northern part of the state from Baudette to Bemidji to Meadowlands. One CL-215 was used on a fire near Kenora, Onterio. Department of Commerce High temperatures and humidity increase the demand for electricity as homes and businesses use more air conditioning. In the unlikely event that the electric transmission or distribution system becomes overloaded, some customers might experience interruptions in service. The Department of Commerce is in contact with Minnesota electric utilities regarding their ìpeak alertî programs to notify customersİto take action if and when demand becomes too much for the system. Minnesota Department of Transportation Highways are being monitored by the Regional Transportation Management Center in Roseville and workers are ready to respond to highway emergencies. Extreme heat can cause highway pavement to buckle, posing a potential traffic hazard for motorists. While roads are more durable and less susceptible to blowups than ever, Mn/DOT will station equipment near areas known for previous road blowups. Maintenance crews in southeastern Minnesota are monitoring potential "hot spots" on highways where pavement buckles may occur, or have occurred in the past. Some of these areas include Hwy 52 between Oronoco and Rochester and I-90 near Albert Lea area. Motorists who come across highway blow-ups should call 911 so a Mn/DOT maintenance crew can respond. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Excessive heat and below average rainfall have produced very dry conditions around the state. HSEM is coordinating with DNR on assessment and response plans if conditions deteriorate to drought status. If needed, Soldiers and Airmen are prepared to provide military support to civil authorities responding to wildfires in order to protect life, property and provide security. The Minnesota National Guard is ready to execute aerial fire suppression, ground and mechanical firefighting operations. Capitol Roundup
Peak Power
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Great River Energy and its member cooperatives are asking their customers to help minimize demand for electricity. The cooperatives request that customers voluntarily cut back energy use between 12 noon and 10 p.m. for the next few days.
Highways being monitored
Air Quality
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The MPCA air monitoring staff is watching for temperature trends and other weather forecasts that may affect the air quality.
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The current forecastİfor air quality is "moderate" despite the expected hot temperatures. However, ifİthere isİa significant change in wind patterns, the conditions might be approaching unhealthy for sensitive groups and MPCA would issue an advisoryİto the news media.
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An alertİoccurs when the Air Quality Index reaches 100 and sensitive populations (children with asthma, adults with respiratory and heart problems) need to take actionİto reduce strenuous activities.
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Minnesota residents can check the Air Quality Index online (
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Current Air Quality Index readings around Minnesota as of 12 noon today:
Region
AQI
39
41
63
26
39
36
32
35
Grand Portage
41
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM)
Drought Preparedness
Department of Military Affairs
Minnesota National Guard Support
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