Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Air quality is still a concern Monday, then as smoky conditions improve the heat and humidity make a comeback.

Under clear skies and low humidity, Minnesota started Monday somewhat cooler than average for early August. Most of the state was in the 50s, with a couple low 60s hanging on around the Twin Cities.

Highs will be predominantly in the low 80s, which is near-average south, and slightly above average north.

The weather remains dry, and winds will be fairly light across much of the state. 

Skies will be mostly sunny except for periods of smoke or hazy sunshine from the persistent issue Minnesota has had with air quality due to the fires in Canada.

The entire state is still under an air quality alert until Tuesday afternoon, although the smoke is not as thick as late last week. Some spots are occasionally making it back into the “good” category. For example, as of the 8 a.m. readings, a chunk of eastern Minnesota south and east of Brainerd, including the Twin Cities, is in the “good” air quality category. Meanwhile, at the same reading time, areas along the North Dakota border were back in the “unhealthy” category.

Most of the state is forecast make it into at least the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category at some point on Monday.

Over the course of Tuesday the wind pattern shifts, and by the evening, most of Minnesota will be under a southerly flow.  

That helps to cut off most of the flow of smoke into the state, at least for now. However, it also brings more heat and humidity back into Minnesota. 

Almost the entire state can already expect the mid-80s or higher Tuesday, and the western edge of the state may get a couple 90s. By the end of the week, southern Minnesota could also see a few 90s.

Here is that warming trend for the Twin Cities:

The humidity is also on the rise, and by Thursday, most areas will see dew points back in the 60s, with upper 60s expected in southern Minnesota Friday and Saturday.

As the humidity increases, we also bring back chances for a few showers and storms. The current forecast is for some activity around the state Thursday through Saturday. 

Unfortunately, like we have seen so often this summer, precipitation will be limited, with only a couple higher amounts anticipated in places that fall right under thunderstorms.

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Nicole Mitchell 

Author

Air quality is still a concern Monday, then as smoky conditions improve the heat and humidity make a comeback.


A pattern shift clears the smoke and returns the heat

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