Minneapolis, Minnesota – Smoke from distant wildfires is blanketing much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, prompting an Air Quality Alert that remains in effect through at least Friday evening.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, high pressure is keeping weather conditions calm but trapping surface smoke across the region. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warns that air quality levels may reach “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in many areas, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, especially during the late afternoon hours.
Visibility may be reduced in some locations, and those with asthma, heart conditions, or respiratory issues should limit outdoor activity. Western Wisconsin communities including Eau Claire and Hudson are also affected.
The skies should remain mostly sunny to partly cloudy into Saturday, with highs ranging from 75 to 80°F. Storm chances increase Sunday and Monday, especially in western Minnesota towns like Willmar, Marshall, and Alexandria, with rain potential rising to 40% by Sunday afternoon.
Conditions are expected to improve early next week as weather systems shift eastward, though additional alerts may be issued if smoke lingers or storm threats increase.
📅 Five-Day Forecast: Twin Cities Metro
- Thursday: High 75–77°F / Low 55–60°F – Partly cloudy, smoky conditions
- Friday: High 75–80°F / Low 55–60°F – Smoke continues, air quality concerns
- Saturday: High 75–80°F / Low 55–60°F – Partly cloudy, lighter smoke
- Sunday: High 70–80°F / Low 55–60°F – 40% chance of storms, mainly west
- Monday: High 75–80°F / Low 55–60°F – 30% chance of storms, western MN
