Thunderstorms and Air Quality Alerts Threaten Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin 8/17

Photo byNational Weather Service

Isolated Strong Storms Expected Friday Evening

DULUTH, MN — Northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin are in for unsettled weather this weekend as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth issued a hazardous weather outlook. Isolated strong thunderstorms are forecasted for Friday afternoon and evening, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall.

The affected regions include Koochiching, St. Louis, Itasca, and Cook counties in Minnesota, as well as Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties in Wisconsin. While the storms are not expected to be widespread, they could bring short bursts of intense rain, raising concerns about localized flooding.

Fog and Stormy Conditions to Continue Into Saturday

The NWS has also alerted residents to the possibility of fog Saturday morning, which may affect visibility and road safety. As storms clear out, areas of dense fog could linger across parts of northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, particularly along the lakefront. Travelers are advised to exercise caution during the early morning hours.

Spotters and the public are encouraged to report instances of heavy rainfall and flooding to assist local authorities in tracking the storms' impact.

Air Quality Alert in Effect Until Monday

In addition to storm risks, an air quality alert has been issued for northern and northeastern Minnesota, lasting until noon on Monday. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has warned that smoke from wildfires, combined with pollution, will cause air quality to deteriorate into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category.

Sensitive populations, including individuals with asthma, heart disease, young children, and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable. The smoke is expected to be most intense during the evening and overnight hours, and air quality may briefly improve during the afternoon before worsening again at night. Lake Superior's surrounding areas could experience even more severe air quality conditions due to smoke trapped in marine fog, creating additional health risks.

Precautions for Sensitive Groups

The MPCA advises sensitive individuals to limit outdoor activity, avoid prolonged exertion, and keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes. Residents are encouraged to reduce activities that contribute to air pollution, such as driving and using wood-burning devices, to help mitigate the issue.

As northern Minnesota faces a mix of thunderstorms, fog, and air quality concerns, remaining informed and taking necessary precautions will help residents weather the challenging conditions this weekend.