DULUTH, Minn. – A gusty, dry Saturday across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin is increasing fire danger and prompting local safety alerts ahead of the Columbus Day holiday. Elevated winds and low humidity could lead to near-critical fire weather conditions, especially along Highway 61 and across St. Louis, Itasca, and Cook counties. Residents are urged to avoid burning debris and use caution with outdoor equipment that could spark fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, winds could gust over 25 mph this afternoon, with humidity dropping below 30%. These dry, breezy conditions are expected to ease by Sunday evening as a more humid air mass moves in. Despite that, temperatures will remain mild for mid-October, reaching the lower 60s Saturday and Sunday before dipping slightly on Monday.
Rain chances return late Sunday into early Monday as a weak system brings showers and cooler air for Columbus Day. The front will bring highs near 58°F Monday and lows in the upper 30s, signaling the start of a more typical fall pattern. The rest of the week will feature crisp, sunny days — perfect for fall color viewing and pumpkin patch visits — but also increasing frost potential by late week.
Fire officials remind residents to secure any campfires fully before leaving and to report smoke immediately. Farmers and landowners should postpone planned burns until after Monday’s rainfall.
Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, MN:
Sat: 61/50 – Sunny; gusty winds raise fire danger north of Hwy 2.
Sun: 63/46 – Breezy; late showers possible, especially inland.
Mon (Columbus Day): 58/39 – Sunny and breezy; fall chill returns late.
Tue: 52/38 – Partly cloudy and cooler; patchy frost possible inland.
Wed: 54/41 – Mostly sunny; pleasant with light winds.
