Photo: Matt Palmer on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - June 2, 2025

Northeastern Minnesota will experience near-critical fire weather conditions today, according to the National Weather Service in Duluth, due to warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds. Additionally, continued air quality concerns are expected until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2, due to wildfires from Canada. 

Forecasted afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the 80s and low 90s in many locations inland (cooler near the shorelines of Lake Superior). Relative humidity levels are expected to drop into the 30s, and winds gusting from 25 to 30 mph.  

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has rated the fire danger as "Very High" for Cook County and Grand Portage on June 2, which means that "fires start easily and spread at a very fast rate." Agency-approved burning permits are the only ones that will be issued. 

Additionally, an Air Quality Alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) remains in effect for the entire state of Minnesota until 6 p.m. this evening. The NWS stated that smoke levels may increase after a cold front comes through later this afternoon, bringing with it a chance of rain. 

 Image: MPCA