Brandon Weatherz: Cooler today with cleaner air

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Wildfire smoke remains in the skies today, but air quality improves. Early morning observations have been moderate with yellow AQI. Minnesota’s Air Quality Alert was allowed to expire at 6 am. Wisconsin’s is in effect until noon. It’s another dry day in the Northland with partly cloudy skies. Our Thursday is cooler with highs ranging from low 60s to low 70s looking from east to west across the Northland. An east wind around 10 mph will keep lakeside areas in the 50s.

Grandma’s Marathon weekend will feature a spread in temps with warmth on the hill and lower temps along the courses of all races and events thanks to Lake Superior’s influence. Sunshine abounds for the William A. Irvin 5k Friday. Saturday has now trended to stay dry for the half and full marathons with more sun than clouds. There’s still a low chance for a stray shower or thunderstorm. Sunday’s rain chances have risen to 30% for northeast Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin.

An east wind will consistently keep temperatures close to Lake Superior cooler each day through the current 7-day forecast. Meanwhile, above average temperatures gradually return to the region. Friday sees inland areas in mid and upper 70s. We bump up to upper 70s to low 80s Saturday and Sunday. Next week will consistently send inland communities in low to upper 80s. This same period will continue to be very dry. Saturday still brings a chance for showers and thunderstorms to northern Minnesota, mostly staying west of the Twin Ports. Additional showers are possible on Father’s Day, reaching further east.

Today: Partly cloudy and breezy. High 63. E wind 10-15 mph.

Tonight: Clear. Low 44. E wind 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow: Sunny. High 70. E wind 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow night: Partly cloudy. Low 49. E wind 5-10 mph.

Saturday: Partly cloudy with a slight chance for showers. High 73. E wind 5-10 mph.

Sunday: Partly sunny with a chance for showers. High 72. E wind 5-15 mph. Chance of rain: 30%

Monday: Mostly sunny. High 76. E wind 10-15 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny. High 77. E wind 10-15 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny. High 76. E wind 10-15 mph.