Weather Blog for Duluth and the Northland

Despite recent rainfall, drought conditions have intensified across the Northland.

Extreme drought now affects nearly all of northwest Wisconsin, extends west to the Twin Ports, and reaches far eastern Minnesota, while most other areas of the Northland remain under severe drought, according to the latest drought monitor update.

Between July 28 and August 25, 2026, the drought monitor indicates a 1- to 2-class deterioration across northwest Wisconsin, the Twin Ports, and eastern Minnesota, whereas a small green area in far northern Minnesota demonstrates a 1-class improvement.

Rainfall since late July was 2 to 4 inches below normal in northwest Wisconsin, east-central Minnesota, the Twin Ports, and the North Shore, while the green and blue areas indicate rainfall near normal or up to 2 inches above normal during the same period.

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Going forward, scattered showers and possibly some thunderstorms are expected in the Northland this weekend, although rainfall appears to be limited and generally light.

Rainfall totals through 7 PM Monday are expected to remain below a quarter of an inch across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, although isolated thunderstorms could produce locally higher amounts.