Duluth, Minnesota – Storms are on track to interrupt summer travel and outdoor events Saturday in northeast Minnesota, with Duluth facing a heightened risk for afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Drivers should expect wet pavement and poor visibility along I-35 and Hwy 61 late Saturday as heavier downpours move in.
According to the National Weather Service, showers and storms are likely Saturday after 1 p.m., with increasing chances into Saturday night. Some storms could be strong, with rainfall totals up to a half inch in some areas. Southeast winds will increase to 10 mph, gusting near 20 mph at times. Rain chances remain elevated through late Saturday, tapering off early Sunday.
Cities including Proctor, Hermantown, and Two Harbors should prepare for localized flooding in low-lying areas and reduced driving visibility. Event organizers may need backup plans for outdoor activities. Residents are urged to charge devices and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the storm.
Sunday offers a brief reprieve, with mostly dry and partly cloudy skies returning by midday. Wind gusts will remain around 15 mph from the west, but temperatures will rise to 82°F by the afternoon.
Five-Day Weather Outlook (June 27 – July 2):
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 68°F. Light winds becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Saturday: Thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m., high near 74°F. Chance of rain: 70%.
- Sunday: Drier and partly cloudy, high near 82°F. Breezy west winds.
- Monday: Sunny and warm, high of 76°F. Increasing clouds at night with showers likely.
- Tuesday (July 2): Rain possible early, then clearing skies, high near 73°F.
