Brainerd, Minnesota – Smoky skies will blanket central Minnesota by midday Friday, August 1st, as hazy air and stagnant conditions return to Brainerd. With calm winds and rising humidity, air quality may dip, especially along Highway 371, where visibility could be reduced during peak afternoon travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, areas of smoke will build Friday morning and linger through Friday night. Highs will reach 78°F with light south winds around 5 mph. Although skies will clear slightly Friday night, residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, especially those with respiratory conditions.
By Saturday, the region will see some relief with mostly sunny skies and highs near 77°F. South winds will pick up slightly, offering brief clearing. But clouds return by Sunday along with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Gusts may reach 15 mph, signaling a stormier start to the workweek.
🌤️ Five-Day Brainerd Weather Outlook (Friday, August 1st – Wednesday, August 6th):
- Friday, Aug. 1: Areas of smoke, high near 78°F. Calm winds shifting south around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 77°F. Light south wind increasing to 10 mph.
- Sunday: 50% chance of showers and storms after 1 p.m., high near 75°F. Gusts up to 15 mph.
- Monday: Scattered afternoon showers, high near 75°F. Chance of rain continues overnight.
- Tuesday: Slight storm chance early, warmer with highs near 80°F. Gusty south winds to 15 mph.
- Wednesday: Continued rain chance with storms possible. High near 82°F.
⚠️ Reminder: Smoke may return early next week with unsettled weather persisting through Wednesday. Stay updated as new advisories may be issued.
