Duluth, Minnesota – Wildfire risk remains elevated across northeast Minnesota as dry air and gusty winds persist through Friday, threatening to ignite fast-spreading outdoor fires across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, relative humidity levels will drop below 30% each afternoon in parts of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Combined with east-northeast winds gusting up to 35 mph, especially near Lake Superior, these conditions create a near-critical fire weather environment through the end of the week.
Communities including Ely, Hibbing, and Grand Marais are seeing some of the lowest humidity values, dipping into the low 20% range. Wind gusts are strongest in the early hours, particularly near shoreline cities like Duluth and Two Harbors, where Lake Superior intensifies the wind profile. Areas such as Sea Gull Lake and Virginia are also seeing dry, breezy conditions that could rapidly spread flames in unmanaged burns.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and check local restrictions. Fire departments may struggle to contain blazes in these dry, windy conditions. Authorities also recommend reporting any smoke or suspicious fire activity immediately.
While winds are expected to weaken by Friday, dry air lingers. Fire weather advisories may be extended depending on rainfall patterns into the weekend.
