Weather will dramatically change in Minnesota starting today

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CHANHASSEN, Minn. -- Minnesota gets a weather makeover today.

It starts with a wind advisory which is now in effect across most of central and southern Minnesota. Forecasters expect gusts up to 45-miles an hour, rearranging leaves on lawns, streets and in fields from Hinckley, the Twin Cities and Albert Lea westward Gale warnings are posted on Lake Superior with up to ten-foot waves possible today.

A first taste of winter is moving into northwestern Minnesota, with up to a foot of heavy, wet snow possible in places like Roseau and Baudette -- a little less to the south around Fargo-Moorhead. Elsewhere around the Northland today, rain changing into the first snow of the season, with smaller accumulations expected.

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Perhaps today's cold, wet weather will change the situation in northwestern Minnesota where the DNR says the fire danger is at a record high. Several wildfires have charred more than 40,000 acres near Karlstad and Baudette. Officials say people need to be extra careful to to cause sparks during work with mowers and farm machinery. More precautions: follow all burning restrictions and avoid target shooting, especially the use of the new "exploding targets" which are popular these days.

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The fires of far northwestern Minnesota are making their presence known far away. Reports out of the Fergus Falls area say large areas of smoke were seen on Wednesday, prompting numerous calls to local dispatchers. Otter Tail County authorities remind residents there are no out-of-control fires burning in their county -- and such calls should only be made if people see actual flames.

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