Minnesota faces a hotter summer with smoky skies from Canadian wildfires

Minnesota is bracing for a warmer-than-usual summer, with temperatures set to rise by one or two degrees above average. Alongside the heat, the state faces up to 16 days of smoky skies as wildfire season intensifies in Canada. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has warned residents to prepare for 12 to 16 smoky days over the coming months. These hazy conditions will likely stem from wildfires burning across Canada, which typically peak between mid-June and early July before lingering into late summer.

Warmer summers have become more common in the Land of 10,000 Lakes in recent years. This year’s forecast suggests even higher temperatures, raising concerns about drier soil and the risk of drought later in the season. Despite the expected haze, officials note that the number of smoky days should remain lower than in 2021, 2023, and 2025. The agency continues to monitor air quality and wildfire activity closely as summer approaches.

Residents can expect a mix of heat and occasional poor air quality this season. The forecasted smoky days, though fewer than in some past years, will still require precautions for vulnerable groups. Officials advise staying informed about air quality alerts as the summer progresses.