Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News
Paul Huttner

Smoky skies return this week to Minnesota

Canadian wildfire smoke mostly aloft Monday; some at ground level Tuesday

Smoke map
Smoke map
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

It’s a warm summery Monday across Minnesota. Highs are in the 80s across much of our state Monday afternoon.

But our trademark blue skies are tinted white again this week. An elevated smoke layer from those massive Canadian wildfires is widespread across the northern United States. You can see the extent of the smoke layer on the map at the top of this post.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Rapid Refresh model shows smoke lingering above Minnesota this week. Here’s the forecast image for 7 p.m. Tuesday:

Vertically integrated smoke product
Vertically integrated smoke product for 7 p.m. Tuesday
NOAA

Some of that smoke may filter down to ground level Tuesday.

Near surface smoke
Near-surface smoke 7 a.m. Tuesday
NOAA

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecast calls for moderate levels of particulates across Minnesota Tuesday.

Air quality forecast for Minnesota
Air quality forecast for Minnesota
MPCA

Here’s more detail from the latest forecast discussion at MPCA.

Updated Mon, May 22, 2023

Remnants of the heavy smoke that swept across the Northern Plains and Midwest late last week recirculated back into the state over the weekend. This smoke will continue to linger over the state as southerly winds transport it back to the north. This will produce air quality in the Yellow (moderate) category for nearly all of the state today. The lake breeze should keep the air around Duluth and the North Shore clean and air quality in the Green (good) category there. Tomorrow, Yellow AQI is expected statewide as light smoke lingers and the lake breeze is not expected to be a factor. The light smoke and scattered cloud cover may block enough solar radiation to limit ozone formation across the state. Weather-wise, today and tomorrow should be very pleasant days. Temperatures will be in the 70s for most of the state, and far western Minnesota may reach the 80s. Skies will be partly cloudy and winds will be from the south at 10-15 mph.

So we’ll continue to see smoke mostly aloft this week.