Smoky conditions see some improvement Tuesday

High temperatures go back above average for all of Minnesota

As the wind pattern shifts, the air quality across Minnesota is expected to see slow improvement through the day Tuesday.

Tuesday’s forecast

With hazy but otherwise clear skies overnight and low humidity, Minnesota is starting off in the 50s and low 60s again Tuesday.

Highs will be a couple degrees warmer than Monday, with much of the state in the mid- and upper 80s, and a few 90s west.

weather graphic
Tuesday high temperatures
National Weather Service
weather graphic
6 a.m. Tuesday air quality readings
MN Pollution Control Agency

There is widespread smoke and haze still as of Tuesday morning, with current air quality conditions as of 6 a.m. ranging from “good” in southeastern Minnesota to an “unhealthy” area near the North Dakota border.

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Given these readings, the air quality alert is still in effect for all but the southeastern corner of Minnesota until 3 p.m. Tuesday. 

The smoke and haze condition Tuesday should slowly improve through the day because winds are from the south and west Tuesday morning, becoming more consistently southerly during the day.

weather graphic
Forecast winds Tuesday evening
National Weather Service

That pattern cuts off the flow of smoke from Canada and helps disperse the smoke already sitting over the state. 

This change in the wind pattern will also increase the heat and humidity over the coming days.

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

Programming note

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