NEXT Weather: Highs in the 70s Thursday, with air quality alert in effect through Friday

MINNEAPOLIS -- The severe weather threat didn't materialize for the Twin Cities Wednesday evening. However, there were reports of storm damage and sizeable hail in far southern and northeastern Minnesota, as well as western Wisconsin.

Trees were knocked down in the Hayward area, and there was a report of a roof being ripped off just southeast of Duluth.

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As the cold front exits Minnesota, winds will slightly decrease, dew points will decrease, and temperatures will drop back down into the 70s Thursday.

READ MORE: Red-level air quality alert to be issued for large area of Minnesota later this week

Unfortunately, the cold front will also usher in more Canadian wildfire smoke, leading to a code red air quality alert for all of Minnesota and much of Wisconsin from midnight Thursday through 11 p.m. Friday. The smoky air will be unhealthy for all. It will be most pronounced across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Thursday's high will be 78 degrees in the Twin Cities, while Friday will be slightly warmer.

Wednesday was the 23rd time this year that temps have pushed into the 90s (the average is 13). We will be adding to that number big time starting on Saturday, with a stretch of 90s through at least the middle of next week.