Duluth, Minnesota – Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing northeastern Minnesota, driving unhealthy air quality across Duluth, the Iron Range, and the Arrowhead region through at least 5 p.m. Saturday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in much of the state is expected to reach the Red or “Unhealthy” category. Westerly and northwesterly winds are funneling fine particulate pollution from Manitoba and Saskatchewan into Minnesota, impacting major population centers and rural areas alike.
Cities including Duluth, Ely, Hibbing, Brainerd, Pine City, and International Falls are under alert. Residents—especially those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions—are urged to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed overnight. Smoke concentrations are expected to increase again Friday evening and persist into Saturday due to reinforcing high pressure overhead.
The National Weather Service warns that while visibility remains near five miles in Duluth, southern winds may shift the smoke plume Saturday afternoon. This could lead to temporary clearing before another wave of smoke arrives.
Air quality alerts remain in effect statewide until at least Saturday evening. A return to normal conditions isn’t expected until Sunday morning at the earliest.
🌤 Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, MN:
- Friday: Areas of smoke before 4 p.m., sunny, high near 78°F
- Friday Night: Areas of smoke, mostly clear, low around 58°F
- Saturday: Areas of smoke, sunny, high near 79°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 77°F
- Monday: Slight chance of showers after 1 a.m., high near 78°F, breezy
