‘Unhealthy’ air quality expected in eastern Minnesota through Monday afternoon due to wildfire smoke

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Highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the 70s for most. That’s 5 to 20 degrees cooler than Monday for most. The heat returns by the weekend, however. 

Cooler and more comfortable for a few days 

Monday was our 10th consecutive day of high temperatures in the 90s in the Twin Cities. That’s the longest such stretch in 76 years and ties for the third longest on record! 

We even beat 1988 for the longest stretch of consecutive 90s, although 1988 remains the winner for the most total 90s in a summer — 44 days! 

That streak is now over thanks to Monday night’s cool front. Highs Tuesday will range from just the 60s in northeastern Minnesota to near 80 degrees in the Twin Cities, a full 10 to 15 or more degrees cooler than Monday afternoon. 

Air quality continues to be an issue for portions of the state. Check the latest air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts here:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

during a Minnesota heat wave

We have a nice, cool night on the way finally for Tuesday night for a change. Lows will fall into the 40s across northeast Minnesota with mostly 50s in central and southern Minnesota. Even in the urban heat island of the Twin Cities we should drop just below 60 degrees.

Highs Wednesday will be again mostly in the 70s with some low 80s. Dew points will remain comfortable in the 50s Tuesday into Thursday and could even drop into the 40s Wednesday. 

Enjoy the break because the heat is building back by the weekend into early next week. We’re likely in for at least few more 90 degree days.

In addition to the heat, after a few days of lower, more comfortable dew points, the muggy air builds back in as well for the weekend into early next week.

The difference with the heat this time comes with the center of the heat dome being much farther southwest. 

That will allow “ridge rider” disturbances along the northern edge of the upper-level ridge/heat dome for Minnesota. Friday and late Sunday look to be the best chances but storms will still be spotty. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Sven Sundgaard

Author

Highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the 70s for most. That’s five to 20 degrees cooler than Monday for most. The heat returns by the weekend however. 

Cooler and more comfortable for a few days

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