Minneapolis residents are bracing for a mix of weather conditions throughout the week, with the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures near 91 degrees and mostly sunny skies today, but changes are on the horizon. According to the NWS, winds could gust as high as 30 mph, and the pleasant conditions are set to give way to showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 pm, with an ongoing chance of storms and showers projected through Sunday. The anticipated precipitation ranges from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, but higher amounts could occur during thunderstorms.
As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to dip near 68 degrees with areas of smoke on Tuesday likely affecting air quality, which will be followed by a mostly sunny Wednesday with a high around 78 degrees, the outlook throughout this period is particularly crucial for sensitive groups given the Air Quality Alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency due to fine particle pollution from distant wildfires, the advisory remains in effect until this evening, and suggests that those with lung disease such as asthma, heart disease, and children and older adults may experience health effects, a precautionary measure recommends limiting prolonged or heavy exertion for those at risk.
The rest of the week is expected to continue with fluctuating chances of showers, with a low percentage predicted for Thursday, increasing for the weekend. Thunderstorms may return Thursday night, with a 30 percent chance of precipitation, which slightly rises through Friday and Saturday, peaking on Saturday night with a 50 percent likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, according to the forecast, Sunday's weather mirrors this with an identical probability for storms under mostly sunny skies and high temperatures near 79 degrees.
Residents across the city and surrounding areas have been advised to remain vigilant as the weather shifts. The National Weather Service has pinpointed the likelihood of severe storms this evening particularly in western Minnesota, where SKYWARN spotter activation may be needed, safety measures include reducing outdoor burning, avoiding the use of wood-burning devices, minimizing vehicle trips and idling, and keeping windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from indoor infiltration, these recommendations and more information on weather and air quality can be found at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website, providing resources and advice during this multi-faceted environmental event affecting Minnesota's air, land, and people.
