Minneapolis woke up cool and calm Thursday, but the atmosphere is already shifting gears. Clear skies and a crisp start in the low 50s at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are expected to flip to a sharp afternoon warmup, with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s as southerly winds ramp up through the morning commute.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Midday stays mostly sunny, but conditions turn more active later. A narrow line of showers and isolated thunderstorms could slide east across the metro after about 4 p.m. South-southeast winds will run 5 to 20 mph, and stronger mixing will help send gusts into the 30 to 35 mph range in more open areas. In other words, secure the lightweight patio furniture and expect a bumpy, gusty evening commute.
Critical Fire Weather
Fire danger is no joke Thursday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for parts of western and south-central Minnesota, and forecasters have also expanded a Fire Weather Watch for Friday, May 15. Low humidity combined with those gusty winds means small fires can spread fast, with gusts into the mid 30s and relative humidity dropping into the teens on Friday. Take extra care with any outdoor sparks or equipment, and check official guidance from the NWS Twin Cities.
Skip Yard Burns Today
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources posts daily burning restrictions, and many central counties, including Hennepin, remain under spring restrictions. That means open pile burns and brush burning should stay off the to-do list. Opt for chipping, hauling, or municipal disposal instead, and always check the statewide burning map before you light anything: Minnesota DNR.
Weekend Outlook And Commute Note
Friday looks like the hottest day of the stretch, with highs near 87°F and continued gusty winds. Saturday trends a bit milder but still breezy, with highs near 81°F. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely Sunday into Monday, and there is a chance some storms could be strong to severe, depending on how instability sets up. Keep weekend plans flexible and keep an eye on updated forecasts. We first highlighted this warmup and the fire concerns in our earlier warmup and fire-risk preview, and we will update if watches or warnings change.
