A front brings both rain and smoke into Minnesota
Hot weather is forecast to continue into early August
The wind shift along with a cold front is drawing smoke back into Minnesota, while the front is also triggering some spotty storms. Overall, our pattern stays drier and hotter than average.
Tuesday’s forecast
A cold front that began its slow trek into northern Minnesota Monday has now cleared through central Minnesota as of Tuesday morning and will continue to dip southeast through the day.
Despite some cooler air with that boundary, the state had a warm start, with most morning temperatures in the 60s.
However, afternoon temperatures will be slightly cooler behind the front, with 70s and 80s north, while southern Minnesota still sees 90s.
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Unfortunately, a northerly flow behind the front is drawing smoke back in from the Canadian fires, so most of the state will see more haze again Tuesday. For northern Minnesota, more of the smoke is also at the surface, putting much of the area under and air quality alert once more.
Stagnant conditions also had much of northern Minnesota seeing morning fog.
The frontal boundary continues to serve as a trigger for isolated showers and storms, which are most likely from northwestern to southeastern Minnesota.
This includes a chance for isolated activity around the twin Cities Tuesday afternoon and evening. Overall rainfall will be limited, but there are occasional amounts over a half inch with persistent thunderstorms.
Extended outlook
That front is expected to linger across Minnesota Wednesday also, bringing a few additional showers or storms, but nothing extensive. More of Minnesota sees a few more 80s Wednesday in the slightly cooler air behind the front.
Already by Thursday though, much of the state rebounds into the 90s, and the weekend weather will be hot and humid.
Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:
There is still a chance a couple spots in western Minnesota could hit 100 by late week.
The heat shows little sign of breaking anytime soon. Much of next week is expected to stay in the 90s, and the outlook into early August keeps Minnesota hotter than average.
The state is also projected to stay drier than average, with limited chances for precipitation in the coming week. Another disturbance likely to bring spotty showers and storms through the state Friday into Saturday, but widespread significant rainfall is not anticipated.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.