Duluth, Minnesota – Smoke drifting in from wildfires across Canada is choking the air across northern Minnesota, triggering a health alert through Wednesday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT Wednesday, July 30th, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) expected to reach the Red or “Unhealthy” category across Duluth, Brainerd, Ely, Hibbing, and surrounding areas. People with asthma, heart conditions, and young children or older adults are especially at risk.
Northerly winds are carrying thick wildfire smoke from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The heaviest impact is expected Tuesday night through all of Wednesday, with smoky conditions possibly lingering through Friday, depending on wind patterns. High pressure may trap smoke over large portions of the state, particularly in northeast and east-central Minnesota.
Travelers along U.S. Highway 53 and Interstate 35 should expect reduced visibility and limit vehicle idling to cut emissions. Residents are urged to keep windows shut, avoid outdoor exercise, and check air quality on pca.state.mn.us.
🔎 Five-Day Duluth Weather Outlook
Wednesday, July 30:
🌤️ Mostly sunny, high near 74°F. North wind 5–10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 56°F.
Thursday, July 31:
☀️ Sunny, high near 74°F. Calm winds becoming east 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, low around 56°F.
Friday, August 1:
☀️ Sunny, warmer with a high near 78°F.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low near 58°F.
Saturday, August 2:
☀️ Sunny and breezy, high near 77°F. Winds south 5–10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low near 60°F.
Sunday, August 3:
🌤️ Mostly sunny with a high near 76°F. Winds S 5–10 mph, gusting to 15 mph.
Monday, August 4:
🌧️ Chance of showers and storms. Partly sunny, high near 75°F.
🗓️ Next update expected Wednesday morning or sooner if air quality worsens.
