![\"minnesota-1207\"](\"http:\/\/us.weatheramerica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/minnesota-1207.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A glowing midsummer moon will rise over Minnesota<\/strong> Thursday night, just as smoke from distant wildfires threatens air quality in parts of the state heading into Friday. After a brief chance for storms, a sunny and comfortable weekend<\/strong> is on the horizon.<\/p>\n The Full Buck Moon<\/strong>\u2014also called the Raspberry Moon<\/strong> in some Native American traditions\u2014will rise in the eastern sky around 9:31 p.m.<\/strong> over the Twin Cities<\/strong> and continue to shine into the early hours of Friday morning<\/strong>. The moon officially reached its fullest phase at 3:36 p.m. CDT<\/strong>, but the best viewing will come after sunset, with clear skies across much of the state offering a perfect backdrop.<\/p>\n Indigenous names for full moons often reflect seasonal cues. In July<\/strong>, bucks begin growing new antlers, and berries ripen across the northern forests. With over 500 federally recognized tribes<\/strong> in the U.S., moon names vary widely but consistently tie celestial phases to nature\u2019s rhythm.<\/p>\n Friday brings a fresh challenge, as smoke from Canadian wildfires<\/strong> drifts into northwestern Minnesota<\/strong>, carried by winds behind a cold front. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency<\/strong> has issued an air quality alert<\/strong> for parts of northwest and north-central Minnesota<\/strong>, including Bemidji<\/strong>, Brainerd<\/strong>, Moorhead<\/strong>, East Grand Forks<\/strong>, Roseau<\/strong>, and International Falls<\/strong>, as well as the Tribal Nations<\/strong> of Red Lake<\/strong>, White Earth<\/strong>, Leech Lake<\/strong>, and Mille Lacs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The first band of smoke is expected to reach northwest Minnesota early Friday<\/strong>, spreading east through the day. A second wave may move in Friday night, potentially affecting the northern half of the state<\/strong> into Saturday.<\/p>\n Air quality is forecast to reach the purple AQI category<\/strong>\u2014very unhealthy<\/strong>\u2014in portions of the northwest. Other areas may fall into the red category<\/strong>, meaning conditions will be unhealthy for all groups<\/strong>. The smoke is expected to gradually clear out Sunday afternoon as cleaner air moves in from the west<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Along with the smoke, a weak cold front<\/strong> will bring a chance for scattered thunderstorms<\/strong> Friday afternoon and evening. These storms aren\u2019t expected to be widespread or severe, but isolated pockets of heavy rain<\/strong> and brief gusty winds<\/strong> are possible, mainly in central and eastern Minnesota<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Saturday and Sunday<\/strong> are shaping up to deliver ideal summer weather<\/strong>. After a smoky start to the weekend, skies will clear<\/strong>, humidity levels will stay low<\/strong>, and temperatures will be pleasant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Expect highs in the upper 70s (mid-20s \u00b0C)<\/strong> on Saturday<\/strong>, warming into the low to mid-80s (around 28\u201330 \u00b0C)<\/strong> by Sunday afternoon<\/strong>, especially in the southern half of the state<\/strong>. From Minneapolis<\/strong> to Duluth<\/strong> and across the Brainerd Lakes<\/strong>, it could be one of the most enjoyable weekends of the summer\u2014if smoke levels cooperate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A glowing midsummer moon will rise over Minnesota Thursday night, just as smoke from distant wildfires threatens air quality in parts of the state heading into Friday. After a brief chance for storms, a sunny and comfortable weekend is on the horizon. Buck Moon lights up the sky Thursday night The Full Buck Moon\u2014also called […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":5848,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5847","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h3>\n
Buck Moon lights up the sky Thursday night<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Smoke from Canadian wildfires triggers air quality alert<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Storm potential Friday with a passing cold front<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Weekend outlook: sunny, dry, and mild<\/strong><\/h3>\n