Minneapolis, Minnesota – Damaging winds and large hail could hit the Twin Cities by Friday evening as scattered thunderstorms develop across southern and central Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service in Twin Cities, storms are expected to intensify after 4 p.m. Friday, with the strongest cells capable of producing wind gusts over 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Affected areas include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, and Rochester, with potential impacts extending along I-35 and Highway 169 during the evening commute.
Local emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during storm activity. Power outages and brief street flooding are possible, particularly in low-lying urban areas. While the storms are expected to clear overnight, air quality may worsen this weekend as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts south.
Skies will turn hazy Saturday and Sunday, with cooler temperatures Saturday in the low 70s before rebounding to near 90 degrees Sunday. Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor exposure as smoke particulates increase.
Thunderstorm risks end by midnight Friday, but air quality alerts could be issued by Saturday morning.
