On June 29th, 2026, severe weather fueled by record humidity and high temperatures impacted the Duluth County Warning Area, leading to 27 total warnings across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. 75 inches), damaging straight-line wind gusts to 60 65 mph, several reported funnel clouds, and one tornado in central St.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS DLH wrote it up.
On June 29th, 2026, severe weather fueled by record humidity and high temperatures impacted the Duluth County Warning Area, leading to 27 total warnings across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Two waves of severe storms swept through the area, producing golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches), damaging straight-line wind gusts to 60 65 mph, several reported funnel clouds, and one tornado in central St. Louis County during the overnight round of storms. The severe winds uprooted trees, damaged structures, and knocked down power lines across multiple counties.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Duluth, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 29, 6:57 AM CST, 3 hours 16 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
757 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Scattered thunderstorms continue early this morning. While
most storms are not expected to be severe, an isolated strong
to severe storm or two capable of producing large hail can't
be ruled out.
- A conditional chance for strong to severe storms exists today
and Tuesday. There will be additional chances of thunderstorms
Wednesday through next Sunday.
- Hot and humid weather is expected starting today and lasting
through this week. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories
have been issued for east-central Minnesota into northwest
Wisconsin Monday into Tuesday.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1128 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026
Storms have finally made an appearance this morning, though the
potential strength of the storms has lessened considerably.
However, there is one storm moving north that has managed to
break the stout cap that was seen in MPX's 00Z balloon data, so
the possibility for strong to severe storms are not completely
out of the question. Main hazards will be hail and damaging
winds into this morning. CAMS are still trying to catch up, but
the HRRR is doing the best at the moment, representing the
current storms the best. Other CAMS want to continue to predict
the aforementioned line of storms this evening into the
overnight, but the HRRR has backed off from that solution.
Regardless, CAMS still show severe storms expected tonight, the
only question remains where.
It looks like the heat may come to fruition today as there are
already clearing skies behind the few storms to our south. One
snag that remains is that the current cloud cover seems to be
back filling as well. We will see if daytime mixing will help
the clouds to dissipate or if continued warm air advection will
keep the cloud cover up throughout the day.
Rinse and repeat the hazardous swimming conditions at the
beached around the Twin Ports from strong northeast winds
continuing today. A Beach Hazard Statement is in effect.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 400 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026
This afternoon and tonight:
We have a fair amount of cloud cover over the region this
afternoon, and this has suppressed thunderstorm activity this
afternoon. We do have some clearing down towards the Twin Cities
with some building instability down there where a warm front is
present. This warm front will slowly lift northward tonight, but
the actual surface front will still remain pretty well south of
our area. Elevated instability associated with strong warm air
and moisture advection will gradually increase overnight, and we
may see some scattered showers and thunderstorms develop. CAMs
have been struggling to paint a reasonable picture of what might
happen later tonight as they fail to capture current conditions
well, placing rain showers where none is currently falling. The
overall synoptic pattern tonight will be broad ridging aloft
without much focused synoptic support for storms. Therefore, we
essentially have some factors favoring storms (increasing
instability) and negating factors (lack of broad synoptic
support). Any showers and storms that develop are expected to be
elevated. We will have potential for 2-3k J/kg of MUCAPE, but
that's only if some of the capping can be eroded, which isn't a
guarantee. So, the risk for severe weather tonight looks pretty
isolated. Large hail is looking to be the primary hazard in
addition to the usual thunder/lightning and heavy rain threat
with general thunderstorms.
Monday and Monday night:
As has been the story of this weather pattern, whatever
thunderstorm activity happens tonight will at least partially
determine how storms and heat end up panning out for Monday and
Monday night. In addition to that, guidance in the broader sense
seems to have a bit of a Fujiwara effect between an upper low
over Montana and a trough moving north across the Dakotas
Monday. Convection over there may take more of a northerly
trajectory that could bring the risk for severe weather further
north into Canada. With all that said, we will be dealing with
substantial instability and heat on Monday in our area with 3-4k
J/kg of MUCAPE (most of which will probably be elevated and
capped during the day Monday). Some CAMs bring nearly all
convection north of the Canadian border while some develop a
squall line that, if it happened, could bring a threat for large
hail (to about golf ball size, perhaps larger), strong winds
(to about 70 mph), and perhaps a tornado or two. This would be
most likely in the afternoon through early overnight. This
threat remains very conditional, so stay tuned for updates.
We'll know more once we see how thunderstorms develop Monday
morning across the Dakotas.
As for the heat, it's still looking like it will be a hot day.
The current forecast is largely in line with the NBM, which is
on the upper end of guidance. This means there's at least some
potential for temperatures to be a little cooler than forecast,
but not likely to be warmer. Main concerns with that are
lingering cloud cover and capping that could result in
temperatures slightly less hot than forecast. But there's
definitely high potential for 100 degree plus heat index values
with very high dew points in the mid to upper 70s for much of
east-central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin. Because of
this, a few Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued for
Pine/Burnett/Washburn counties and a broader swath of Heat
Advisories have been issued for east-central and all remaining
northwest Wisconsin counties. We opted not to issue for the
South St. Louis and Carlton county zone since we will have
onshore flow from Lake Superior that should keep most of the
county from reaching criteria. With that said, the far western
and southern areas of that zone should see ~100 degree heat
indices a ways away from the lake influence. Heat Advisories for
Bayfield/Sawyer counties and east go through Tuesday early
evening as lows are not likely to fall below 70 degrees Monday
night, and we'll see another hot day there on Tuesday with highs
in the 90s and heat indices approaching 100 degrees again.
Moderate to major heat-related impacts are expected in the
advised areas.
Tuesday and Tuesday night:
A cold front will slowly work east on Tuesday, and out ahead of
it, instability will linger mainly across northwest Wisconsin
but also perhaps a ways into east-central Minnesota. We may
start to lose some capping, so that works in favor of there
being some thunderstorms in general. A few storms capable of
producing some large hail and strong winds may be possible, and
timing of those could be morning, afternoon, or both. This
remains a conditional threat much like Monday, but with
increasing likelihood that there will be at least a few storms
out there as the cap starts to erode ahead of the cold front.
It is looking like another hot day, especially in northwest
Wisconsin. On the Minnesota side, dew points and temperatures
take a bit of a tumble, so it won't feel quite as hot as Monday.
Wednesday through the Weekend:
On Wednesday, we'll have to keep an eye on potential for some
more convection with southwesterly flow and a shortwave passing
by aloft. The storm threat could continue into Wednesday night.
MUCAPE in the 1-2k J/kg range may be marginally favorable for
some severe weather. Otherwise, more warm/hot weather is
expected.
General warm southwesterly flow will continue on into the
weekend, so expect more of the same with warm to hot weather and
plenty of chances for thunderstorms. Severe weather may be
possible at times.
&&
.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 750 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
Crummy flight conditions this morning with some improvement this
afternoon though a supercell (or remnants thereof) will clip
KINL early this afternoon. Another round of convection will
spark this evening and run west to east across the forecast
area. This convection is expected to be severe. Meanwhile, fog
will roll through this morning near Duluth with onshore flow and
thunderstorms over Lake Superior. Thinking this will eventually
break by this afternoon. Winds are generally fairly light out of
the east or southeast except near thunderstorms.
&&
.MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/...
Issued at 1128 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026
Rinse and repeat the strong northeast winds for today, making
conditions hazardous for small craft again today into tonight.
Winds will finally decrease for Tuesday to 15 kts out of the
southwest, ending the pattern that we've seen the last few days.
Showers and storms are expected over western Lake Superior for
today and Tuesday capable of producing large hail and gale-
force winds.
For the open water discussion, refer to the NWS Marquette Area
Forecast Discussion at weather.gov/mqt.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 1128 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026
Fire weather concerns are low as moist air moves up from the
south for the better part of this week. Tuesday has the best
potential for low RH ranging 35-45%. Gusty winds continue into
this week, starting out of the southeast and switching to the
southwest late tonight. Both days, sustained winds 10-15 mph and
gusts 20-25 mph are expected. Despite the moist air, there is
also hot air as well, with temperatures each day well into the
80s and lower 90s through the week. The only caveat would be
whether increased cloud cover would curb the temperatures in
places expected to reach over 90. Either way, hot and
uncomfortable conditions will persist for the rest of the week.
See the Fire Weather Forecast product for a more thorough
breakdown of fire weather conditions.
&&
.DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Heat Advisory until 8 PM CDT this evening for MNZ025-033>036.
Beach Hazards Statement through this evening for MNZ037.
Extreme Heat Warning until midnight CDT tonight for MNZ038.
WI...Beach Hazards Statement through this evening for WIZ001.
Extreme Heat Warning until midnight CDT tonight for WIZ006-007.
Heat Advisory until midnight CDT tonight for WIZ001.
Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT Tuesday for WIZ002>004-008-009.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM CDT this evening for
LSZ140>145.
Dense Fog Advisory until 2 PM CDT this afternoon for
LSZ142>147-150.
&&
UPDATE...KML
DISCUSSION...JDS
AVIATION...Wolfe
MARINE...KML
FIRE WEATHER...KMLHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Duluth MN 450 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026 MNZ010>012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001>004-006>009-301000- Koochiching-North St. Louis-Northern Cook/Northern Lake- North Itasca-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake/North Shore- Southern Cook/North Shore-North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass- Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-Carlton/South St. Louis- Pine-Douglas-Bayfield-Ashland-Iron-Burnett-Washburn-Sawyer-Price- 450 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Strong northeast winds will increase the threat of rip currents through this evening for areas near the Twin Ports, including the beaches of Duluth and Superior. A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for these areas. Strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon into tonight. If severe storms occur, all hazards are possible. Damaging wind gusts are expected with severe storms, with some gusts to 80 mph possible over north central Minnesota and east to the I-35 corridor and the Twin Ports. Large hail, with some up to baseball sized in north central Minnesota, is also possible. There is also a lesser threat for tornados across northeastern and north central Minnesota. Some minor ponding is possible with any heavy rain. Hot and humid conditions begin today, increasing the risk for heat-related illnesses. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect for the southern half of the Northland. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Additional rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are forecast Monday through Wednesday night, mainly across northwest Wisconsin. Large hail, damaging winds, and locally heavy rainfall which could lead to flash flooding are the main hazards. A tornado or two are also possible. There are additional chances of thunderstorms Thursday through next Sunday. Hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through Wednesday. The risk of heat-related illness will also continue. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Skywarn spotters may be needed today and tonight. LSZ121-140>148-150-301000- Bayfield to Oak Point WI-Grand Portage to Grand Marais MN- Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor MN- Taconite Harbor to Silver Bay Harbor MN- Silver Bay Harbor to Two Harbors MN-Two Harbors to Duluth MN- Duluth MN to Port Wing WI-Port Wing to Sand Island WI- Sand Island to Bayfield WI-Oak Point to Saxon Harbor WI- Outer Apostle Islands Beyond 5 NM from Mainland- 450 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Superior and the Nearshore waters of western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Northeast winds of 10-20 knots with gusts to 25 knots are forecast near the Twin Ports and the North Shore through this evening which will pose a risk to smaller vessels. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through this evening. Strong to severe storms are possible across western Lake Superior this afternoon and overnight. The main threats will be large hail, strong wind gusts, and frequent cloud-to-water lightning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Several rounds of thunderstorms are forecast through the end of the week. Some storms may be strong to severe Tuesday. The main threats will be large hail, strong wind gusts, and frequent cloud- to-water lightning. KML More information may be obtained at the following web address: http://www.weather.gov/duluth
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Duluth MN 808 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026 MNZ011-012-300000- North St. Louis-Northern Cook and Lake- Including the cities of Ely and Isabella 808 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS TODAY AND TONIGHT... Severe thunderstorms are expected to affect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness early this afternoon for the westernmost portions of the Boundary Waters, then again late this evening for all of the Boundary Waters. The storms may produce damaging winds, large hail, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and locally heavy rainfall. The first round of severe thunderstorms could happen as early as noon and ending before 5 PM. The second round of severe storms are expected to arrive late this evening with the most likely time for thunderstorms between 9 PM and 3 AM Tuesday. Now is the time to prepare in case thunderstorms threaten. Campers should take extra precautions now in order to secure campsites and make a plan in case of severe weather. For strong winds, try to keep your tent away from large or decayed trees. For large hail, use your well-tied down canoe or tent for shelter. For lightning, sit on your personal floatation devices or sleeping pads and avoid putting your tent on top of exposed tree roots to minimize your risk. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates and possible warnings. Wolfe
The Duluth radar (KDLH), 156 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:11 UTC.
35 thunderstorm wind, 12 hail, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
A photo was received of an oak tree that was snapped approximately 10 feet above the ground while adjacent trees remained standing. The tree had some woodpecker damage.
Trees were down near Hwy 64 and 96th Street.
A tree was broken and deck furniture and a grill were blown off a deck.
Trees were down near County Road 1 and Orchard Park Lane.
Photos were received of downed trees in Bena. Some trees were snapped and another was tipped pulling up the roots.
A 100-foot tall tree that had no previous damage was downed. Multiple other smaller trees were down as well. Branches were found speared into the ground after the storm.
Two large trees were down on home.
The gust was recorded by a personal weather station on Deer Lake.
Several trees were reported down in Bovey.
A few large white pine trees were blown down on the observer's property.
Time stamped video was received showing a tree being knocked over in the storm. A 2 inch diameter flagpole was broken and a weather station was flipped over around the same time at the same location.
A few moderate size tree branches were down but no full trees. The wind lasted about five minutes.
A photo was received of a tree down on a home.
The gust was recorded by MnDOT RWIS station MN092 US 169 Mitchell Bridge Milepost 343.
A barn collapsed on cattle with the cattle needing to be rescued.
Several trees were down and the power was out.
A photo was received of a 10-12 inch diameter branch that was broken off an evergreen tree.
Report of a tree down on top of a house and power lines in Gilbert.
Two large trees were snapped in half. The wind was very localized in nature.
Multiple reports of power lines down in the Virginia area.
Report of a tree down on power lines with the tree hanging over the roadway.
Hail was mostly to the size of grapes but a few were to the size of golf balls to hen eggs.
Two reports of wires down in the area from trees falling on them.
Trees were down on a roadway and the power was out. Trees were mostly poplar and a few pine trees were snapped at top.
Photo was received of a hail stone that was an agglomeration of multiple stones next to a baseball.
The gust was recorded by MnDOT station MN124 0.5N Motley.
A cluster of around a dozen trees were snapped about halfway up. This point marks the end of path of scattered tree damage that started at County Road 3 and Ossipee Road. Treefall was generally in a northward direction.
A two car garage attached to single level home was destroyed. Around a dozen trees were downed in and around the property as well.
The gust was reported by ASOS station KBRD Brainerd Airport.
A very large oak tree at least 24 inches in diameter was uprooted. Several large trees were knocked over or snapped with some laying on the house.
Two large hay carts were knocked over along with damage to what appeared to be a canvas covered outbuilding or shelter for farm equipment.
A photo was received of a 6-8 inch white pine limb skewered into the ground.
A photo was received of a large birch tree across Highway 200 blocking the road. Multiple trees were down in this area as well.
Trees were down on power lines and a house.
A brief tornado developed along a line of storms over Murphy Lake, producing a clear and consistent path of tree damage with hundreds of trees damaged including dozens of trees uprooted or snapped near the base. Local resident reports and drone imagery provided by St. Louis County Emergency Management greatly assisted in the survey of the tornado.
At least a dozen trees were downed around White Lake with damage to power lines as well.
A photo was received of aspen trees on a road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Minnesota in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Minnesota, 2026Warnings in Minnesota, June 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1355647, 1355571, 1355628, 1355574, 1355629, 1355635, 1355625, 1355577, 1355634, 1355626, 1355581, 1355633, 1355551, 1355632, 1355552, 1355631, 1355584, 1355554, 1355555, 1355645, 1355640, 1355648, 1355599, 1355627, 1355607, 1355604, 1355556, 1355557, 1355603, 1355602, 1355558, 1355559, 1355560, 1355561, 1355562, 1355563, 1355636, 1355649, 1355650, 1355637, and more.