Duluth, Minn. – A hazy sky hangs over Lake Superior, and the smell of wildfire smoke may greet you before you even step outside. While sunshine returns today, air quality remains a concern, and another round of active weather is already lining up for the Northland.
Northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin are entering a busy stretch of weather that includes unhealthy wildfire smoke, elevated fire danger, building heat and the potential for severe thunderstorms over the next several days.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 11 a.m. Monday across much of northeast Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warns that fine particle pollution may reach the Maroon, or Hazardous, category, especially for sensitive groups. People with asthma, heart disease, older adults and children should reduce prolonged outdoor activity and keep windows closed if smoke becomes dense.
Today’s weather turns mostly sunny with patchy smoke lingering during the afternoon. High temperatures reach 83 degrees, while northeast winds may gust to 20 mph. Dry air and breezy conditions also increase wildfire concerns, especially where recent lightning has dried vegetation.
Meteorologists are also tracking another round of thunderstorms. The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms become more likely Sunday night into Monday, with a few storms capable of producing strong winds. Earlier outlooks highlighted the potential for damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail around one inch, so residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts as the pattern evolves. A tornado cannot be completely ruled out, although confidence in any isolated tornado threat remains low.
Drivers along Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 53 and Highway 61 should be prepared for changing visibility if wildfire smoke thickens or thunderstorms develop. Allow extra travel time, especially Sunday night into Monday.
Looking ahead, temperatures climb to 88 degrees Sunday and Monday before cooler air arrives Tuesday with breezy conditions and highs near 75 degrees. Additional air quality advisories or weather alerts may be issued if smoke lingers or storm chances increase.
Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, Minnesota
- Today: Sunny with patchy afternoon smoke. High 83°F.
- Sunday: Patchy smoke early, then mostly sunny. High 88°F.
- Monday: Breezy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 88°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny and breezy. High 75°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 75°F.
