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. 50 inches) and damaging straight-line wind gusts to 60 mph.
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 ping pong ball-sized hail (1.50 inches) and damaging straight-line wind gusts to 60 mph. 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, 12:31 PM CST, 1 hour 32 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
131 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 4 PM with a
second line of storms likely to redevelop and cross the BWCA
tonight.
- High heat and humidity this afternoon with heat index values
over 100 degrees prompting Extreme Heat Warnings and
Advisories.
- Dangerous swimming conditions persist along Lake Superior
beaches due to strong rip currents through this evening.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 128 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
For the rest of the day, our primary concerns will be the
oppressive heat and the severe weather threat. Extreme Heat
Warnings and Heat Advisories remain in effect for the southern
half of the Northland. We are noting that CAMS guidance is not
doing well, but there is plenty of CAPE with storms riding along
a warm front. In addition, rich PWATs of 2.4+ inches giving
heavy rainfall with warm sector inflow providing dewpoints in
the 80s. This incredible moisture is pushing heat index values
well past the 100 degree mark for many of our southern
communities. Meanwhile, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in
effect until 4 PM for all of northeast Minnesota.
The current storm moving through St. Louis County presents
itself very similar to the radar presentation of the 1999 BWCA
blowdown storm with similar timing too! Thus far, this storm
hasn't been too effective in bringing down winds to the surface,
at least in the last 3 hours; however, the environment over NE
Minnesota is rich as a little clearing occurred to allow the
storm to become more surface based increasing the threat for
winds as it moves through the Arrowhead. Similarly, the storm's
southern end also is beginning to take on a identity of its own
and should run east into the higher richer moisture. Should be
an active afternoon. In addition to the storm threat, there is a
wake low that is causing really strong winds in the wake of the
convective line which could gust to 50 to 60 mph!
As we move into the evening and overnight hours, the threat for
severe weather continues. Models continue to indicate that
redevelopment is likely this evening causing a second line of
storms to cross through the BWCA. Given the extreme instability
and moisture in place, these storms will pose a substantial risk
for large hail, damaging winds, and intense downpours capable
of localized flooding. Temperatures tonight will provide little
relief from the heat, with lows struggling to fall below 70
degrees in many locations.
For tomorrow, a cold front will slowly work eastward across the
region. Heat Advisories will linger for our northwest Wisconsin
counties as temperatures once again climb into the 90s, though
drier air will slowly filter into Minnesota. Instability will
pool ahead of the advancing front, bringing another round of
strong to severe thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon
hours across northwest Wisconsin. Large hail and damaging winds
will once again be the primary hazards.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the active summer pattern will
persist. We will maintain southwesterly flow aloft as a
shortwave passes through the region. This will bring additional
chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms, some of which
could be strong given the lingering instability. Temperatures
will remain quite warm, generally in the 80s to near 90 degrees,
ensuring the humid feel sticks around the area.
For Thursday through the upcoming weekend, broad ridging will
remain anchored to our east with troughing to the west. This
setup keeps the Northland in a warm and active southwest flow
regime. Expect daily chances for showers and thunderstorms,
particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. High
temperatures will remain somewhat steady in the 80s. While not
every day will be a washout, anyone with outdoor holiday weekend
plans should monitor the forecast closely.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 128 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
Flight conditions will vary greatly across the Northland over
the next 24 hours. A mix of MVFR to IFR conditions are expected
as scattered severe thunderstorms impact terminals this
afternoon and again tonight with a second line. Dense fog near
Lake Superior will gradually lift this afternoon. Expect gusty
and erratic winds near any thunderstorms, otherwise generally
southerly to southwesterly winds will prevail outside of the
lake breeze.
&&
.MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/...
Issued at 128 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 2 PM this
afternoon for western Lake Superior, while a Small Craft
Advisory runs until 10 PM tonight due to gusty northeast winds
up to 30 knots and elevated waves. Strong to severe
thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and again tonight,
posing a risk for large hail, gale force wind gusts, and
frequent lightning. Winds will become southwesterly at 10 to 15
knots on Tuesday with waves subsiding. Expect additional
thunderstorm chances through midweek.
For the open water discussion, refer to the NWS Marquette Area
Forecast Discussion at weather.gov/mqt.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 128 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
Fire weather concerns will remain low through the forecast
period due to high humidity and multiple rounds of widespread
rainfall. Minimum relative humidity values will largely remain
above 50 percent today, though Tuesday could see values drop
into the 35 to 45 percent range. Winds will be gusty out of the
southeast today at 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph, shifting
to the southwest on Tuesday. Hot and humid conditions will
continue through the middle 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 until 10 PM CDT this evening for
MNZ037.
Extreme Heat Warning until midnight CDT tonight for MNZ038.
WI...Beach Hazards Statement until 10 PM CDT 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.
&&
DISCUSSION...Wolfe
AVIATION...Wolfe
MARINE...Wolfe
FIRE WEATHER...WolfeHazardous 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
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
234 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0210 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 N Cherry 47.43N 92.71W
06/29/2026 St. Louis MN Amateur Radio
Trees down on roadway. Mostly Poplar and
pine trees snapped at top. Power is off.
&&
SGPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
238 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0200 PM Hail 1 E Lawler 46.53N 93.15W
06/29/2026 M1.00 Inch Aitkin MN Trained Spotter
&&
SGPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
239 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0208 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 S Buhl 47.46N 92.77W
06/29/2026 St. Louis MN Law Enforcement
Two reports of wires down in the area from
trees falling on them.
&&
WFUPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
243 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0158 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 7 WNW Britt 47.66N 92.71W
06/29/2026 St. Louis MN Law Enforcement
Report of tree down on power lines with the
tree hanging over the roadway.
&&
WFUPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
245 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0156 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Virginia 47.52N 92.54W
06/29/2026 St. Louis MN Law Enforcement
Multiple reports of power lines down in the
Virginia area.
&&
WFUPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Duluth MN
247 PM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0234 PM Hail Barnum 46.50N 92.69W
06/29/2026 M1.75 Inch Carlton MN Trained Spotter
&&
SGThe Duluth radar (KDLH), 74 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:00 UTC.
4 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was reported down south of Herbster.
Several large trees around 12 inches in diameter were down on the highway between Bayfield and Washburn.
Trees were reported down across County Highways B and P outside Lake Nebagamon.
Photos were received showing multiple trees down in Ashland following the storms.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wisconsin in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Wisconsin, 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: 1344837, 1344836, 1344835, 1344831, 1344834, 1344832, 1344838, 1344833.