Minneapolis, Minnesota – A thick blanket of Canadian wildfire smoke will hang over much of Minnesota on Monday, threatening air quality and public health in the Twin Cities and along major highways like I-94. Residents should expect another hazy, smoky start to the workweek, with conditions not expected to improve until after 9 a.m. Monday, July 14.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the National Weather Service, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding counties until 9 a.m. Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will reach “Very Unhealthy” levels, making outdoor activity dangerous for everyone, especially children, seniors, and people with lung or heart conditions. All residents are urged to avoid physical exertion outdoors and keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes.
Drivers along I-94, I-35W, and local routes through Minneapolis and St. Paul should expect reduced visibility and possible respiratory discomfort. Sensitive groups, including those with asthma, heart disease, or young children, should stay indoors and use air purifiers if available. Officials also recommend minimizing car travel, avoiding wood burning, and rescheduling outdoor events until air quality improves.
Skies will gradually clear Monday afternoon as winds shift and cleaner air moves in. By Monday night, mostly clear skies return, bringing some relief from the smoke.
Looking ahead, the five-day forecast features classic summer swings:
- Monday: Areas of smoke, high near 91°F, gradually improving by afternoon.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 90°F. Showers and thunderstorms possible late Tuesday night.
- Wednesday: Chance of storms, high near 75°F.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy and milder, high near 74°F.
- Friday: Another round of scattered thunderstorms, high near 77°F.
As the weekend approaches, keep an eye on evolving thunderstorm chances—especially Wednesday night and again Friday. For now, heed health warnings and stay weather aware as Minnesota faces another smoky summer day.
Five Day Forecast for Minneapolis, July 14–18:
- Monday: Areas of smoke, high 91°F, winds S 5–10 mph, clear and mild Monday night.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 90°F, showers and storms possible late.
- Wednesday: Storm chance, high 75°F, mostly cloudy, breezy.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, high 74°F, light winds.
- Friday: Scattered showers/storms, high 77°F, periods of clouds and sun.
Stay tuned for updated advisories as conditions change.
