5:26 PM Monday, May 12, 2025
A large upper-level ridge remained over the upper Midwest today, with plenty of heat and sunshine occurring near this ridge, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s.
More record breaking warmth in the Northland today.
New record high temperatures set or tied for May 12th
International Falls, MN
New record: 90
Old record: 86 set in 1991
Brainerd, MN
New record: 88
Old record: 88 set in 1940
Duluth, MN
New record: 86
Old record: 84 set in 1940
More warm temperatures are expected for Tuesday, with highs in the 80s to around 90 degrees in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. However, if winds shift to the east-southeast, temperatures could cool significantly within 10 to 15 miles of Lake Superior, including the Twin Ports area.
Warmth continues in the Northland on Wednesday, but once again we’re looking at a stronger lake breeze leading to much cooler temperatures closer to Lake Superior.
Note: The entire Northland will see a cooling trend late this week, and these cooler temperatures could linger into next week based on current model projections.
The warm, windy and dry weather brings significant fire weather concerns to the Northland.
At least two large fires have been reported in northeast Minnesota, between Hoyt Lakes and Rollins. The south to southwest winds are driving the smoke plumes toward the north-northeast today.
Goes-16 visible satellite loop ending 4:31 PM CT Monday, May 12, 2025.
The smoke plumes have also been visible on Duluth’s radar today, and it also looks like we’ve seen a third fire break out near Shaw, MN this afternoon.
Radar loop ends 4:47 PM Monday, May 12, 2025.
A powerful low-pressure system <985mb is expected to move northeast over the upper Midwest from Thursday to Friday. It will likely bring rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, with some rain continuing into Friday.
The likelihood of severe weather in our area on Thursday remains low based on current model data, though sufficient instability may still result in the development of some thunderstorms.
European model simulated radar forecast valid 7 AM Thursday to 7 PM Friday.
Widespread rainfall of half an inch or more is expected in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin from Thursday to Friday, with some western areas possibly receiving over an inch of rain.
Another system could bring more rain to the Northland around May 19-21.
Thanks for reading!