Duluth, Minnesota – Northern Minnesota faces two weather concerns over the next several days, with scattered strong to severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon and evening before a surge of summer heat pushes temperatures into the upper 80s and 90s this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place for parts of north-central Minnesota, including areas near Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Brainerd and International Falls. Storms are expected to develop late this afternoon and continue into the evening, with the greatest threats being hail up to the size of golf balls and wind gusts between 40 and 70 mph. A brief tornado cannot be completely ruled out, and localized heavy rainfall may accompany stronger storms.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, remain alert for rapidly changing weather and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if spending time outdoors this evening.
Once today’s storms move through, temperatures will climb quickly across the region. Saturday will bring widespread highs in the 80s, with several locations reaching the lower 90s, including Brainerd, Hinckley and Siren. By Sunday, much of northern Minnesota will see widespread 90-degree temperatures, with highs around 95 degrees in Brainerd, 94 in Aitkin and Siren, 92 in Walker and Hayward, 91 in Grand Rapids and Bigfork, and 90 in Duluth and International Falls. Areas along the North Shore, including Grand Marais and Grand Portage, will remain noticeably cooler because of Lake Superior.
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring today’s storm development and the building weekend heat, with additional watches or warnings possible if severe weather becomes more widespread.
Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, Minnesota
- Saturday: Widespread highs in the 80s, with a few locations reaching the lower 90s.
- Sunday: Widespread 90s across much of northern Minnesota, cooler near Lake Superior with highs generally in the 80s along the North Shore.
