Northland forecast: Critical Fire Weather Today
Jul 14, 2026 05:20AM ● By Content Editor
From the National Weather Service in Duluth - July 14, 2026
An air quality alert has been issued due to wildfire smoke for Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, for northeast Minnesota. Air quality is expected to reach the purple AQI category, which is unhealthy for everyone. You can find more information about this alert here: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-tues...
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Critical fire weather is expected again today across portions of the Borderlands and BWCA, where a Red Flag Warning is in effect. Low relative humidity, very hot temperatures, and a west to northwest wind will combine with very dry fuels. These conditions could lead to the rapid spread of wildfires. Near-critical fire weather conditions may be possible Wednesday due to low relative humidity.
Another round of dangerous heat is expected today with highs in the mid to high 90s across the region. Temperatures moderate slightly after today with slightly lower dewpoints, but some Heat Advisories may be needed, most likely for areas from the Brainerd Lakes to I-35 corridor and into NW WI.
An air quality alert has been issued due to wildfire smoke for Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, for northeast Minnesota. Air quality is expected to reach the purple AQI category, which is unhealthy for everyone. You can find more information about this alert here: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-tues...
For additional weather details, go to https://www.weather.gov/dlh/weatherstory
