Sabrina Ullman: Air quality will get better early this week
Wildfire smoke has entered the region from Canada, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach the Red category in northern Minnesota. This category is unhealthy for everyone. Northwest winds will continue through the night, bringing more smoke to northern Wisconsin.
As winds shift to become northeasterly, conditions will improve Monday morning in northern Minnesota. Wisconsin’s air quality will worsen, with the AQI expected to reach the Orange category overnight. This is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RELATED: Air Quality Alert issued for all of Minnesota and portions of Wisconsin
By Monday night, the air quality across the Northland will improve. An east wind will make temperatures cooler by the lake Tuesday and Wednesday, but it will also be beneficial for air quality. The lake breeze may continue Thursday and Friday.
Rain is expected Wednesday, most likely in the afternoon. There is a chance of rain Thursday morning, and then we take a bit of a break until midday Friday. Looking ahead to next weekend, there is a possibility of rain during the Duluth Air Show.
Tonight
Areas of smoke before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Breezy, with a north wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Friday
A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday
A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a west wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.