Evacuation orders expanded near Ely, air quality alert for most of Minnesota

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Following the wet and stormy weather in southern Minnesota Wednesday, sunshine returns across the state Thursday, while air quality issues remain.

Behind the cold front that brought storms to southern Minnesota Wednesday, morning temperatures are slightly cooler Thursday morning.  

Most of northern Minnesota is starting Thursday in the 40s, and the rest of the state is in the 50s with a couple 60s south. 

High pressure is already moving in, and the associated light winds and stable conditions are making for a foggy start, especially in central and southern Minnesota. 

Smoke from the fires in Canada is also still a concern, especially along northern Minnesota and along the North Dakota border, where an air quality alert is in effect. Most of the state can expect to see a hazy Thursday under otherwise mostly sunny skies.

The widespread sunshine helps highs make it into the 80s, which is noticeably warmer than the 70s most of southern Minnesota was stuck in Wednesday due to the clouds and rain. 

Temperatures continue to rise into the weekend, and next week looks hot and dry with 90s and possibly a few 100s for parts of the state. 

That extended forecast will be updated around 9 a.m.

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Nicole Mitchell 

Author

Following the wet and stormy weather in southern Minnesota Wednesday, sunshine returns across the state Thursday, while air quality issues remain.


Morning fog, then hazy sunshine Thursday

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