Duluth, Minn. – Hazy skies, gusty winds, and building heat are setting the stage for one of the Northland’s most active weather days of the week. Conditions will change quickly through the afternoon, with heat, wildfire smoke, and the potential for severe thunderstorms all sharing the spotlight.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday for parts of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Heat index values could reach 95 degrees, unusually warm for mid-July across the region.
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops late this morning into the afternoon. While many locations may only see brief rainfall, meteorologists are monitoring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, especially across the Arrowhead and into northwest Wisconsin. Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, and even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out if storms intensify.
Adding to the concern, patchy wildfire smoke will drift across the region through much of the day, reducing air quality at times. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions, should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity. Drivers along Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 53, and Highway 61 may also encounter locally reduced visibility where smoke becomes thicker.
By Monday evening, a stronger northwest breeze arrives behind the storms, ushering in noticeably cooler air. Tuesday brings a high near 73 degrees with breezy conditions and clearing skies, offering welcome relief after Monday’s heat. Sunshine returns Wednesday with temperatures climbing back into the mid-70s before warmer weather reaches the area again Thursday.
Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, Minnesota
- Monday: High 89°F. Breezy with a 30% chance of thunderstorms. Heat index up to 95°F. Patchy smoke develops.
- Tuesday: High 73°F. Partly sunny and breezy.
- Wednesday: High 76°F. Sunny and pleasant.
- Thursday: High 83°F. Sunny with a slight (20%) chance of late thunderstorms Thursday night.
- Friday: High 78°F. Slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
