Will Wildfire Smoke Return To Northern Minnesota This Week?

The biggest story by far last week was the wildfire smoke blanketing parts of the country, including a good portion of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wildfires burning in our region and Canada made for dangerously hazardous conditions.

The smoke was so bad that our neck of the woods had the worst air quality in the world at one point. This led to a ton of event cancellations and changes. It was just too dangerous to be outdoors for long periods of time.

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Thankfully, smoke gradually started clearing up over the weekend. However, the forecast late last week said that things would likely clear up for good early this week if everything continued the way it was going.

We all know things change so much with the forecast here in the Duluth area for a variety of reasons. So where do things stand now?

Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images

Will We See Smoke Return To Northern Minnesota This Week?

As of early Monday (July 20th), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that 'additional heavy wildfire smoke' will continue until Wednesday. A wind shift Monday evening and into Tuesday morning will bring 'additional heavy to very heavy smoke' to our neck of the woods.

RELATED: How To Protect Your Lungs From Wildfire Smoke In Minnesota

This round of heavy smoke will continue into Wednesday (July 22nd). It should also be noted that there is near-critical fire weather conditions expected over the next few days as well. There is also a campfire ban across parts of Minnesota.

In terms of air quality alerts, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the Duluth area will be in the orange category, meaning air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Areas further north will hit the very unhealthy range. Stay safe and limit your time outdoors this week.

RELATED: Should You Use Your AC When There's Wildfire Smoke Outside?

It will also be hot, which only adds to everything else going on! The National Weather Service of Duluth says it will be a hot start to the week and heat-related impacts are definitely possible. It looks like another busy week.