Minneapolis gets one last breath of comfortable air Friday morning, with cool, mostly clear conditions around 61°F at sunrise and a light east-southeast breeze. Skies will cloud up through the day, and temperatures are expected to climb to about 79°F this afternoon, so you may want a light jacket early and a shady spot by lunchtime.
What To Expect This Weekend
Saturday turns warmer and mostly sunny, with highs near 85°F. By Sunday, the humidity moves in, and the air starts to feel heavy, with highs around 89°F. That is when a long-duration heat wave is forecast to kick off and drag through next week, with Monday shaping up as the worst of it.
On Monday, readings could jump into the mid to upper 90s, with heat-index values in the 105–110°F range. Residents should be ready for steamy days and very little overnight relief during the worst stretch, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities.
Thunderstorms And Gusty Winds
Storm chances will be in the mix too. Periodic thunderstorms are possible from late Saturday night into Sunday and again through the middle of next week, with the best chance for showers and storms late Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Some of these storm clusters could bring heavy downpours and strong gusts, with winds at times topping out around 30–35 mph. A few storms could reach severe levels if they manage to develop. If you have outdoor plans Sunday evening or Monday, it is smart to keep a quick route to shelter in mind and stay ready for last-minute changes.
Heat Safety And Where To Cool Off
This kind of heat can be dangerous for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone who does not have reliable air conditioning. The Minnesota Department of Health offers guidance on cooling centers and practical heat-safety steps, including checking in on neighbors, drinking plenty of water, and skipping strenuous outdoor work during the hottest part of the day.
Many libraries and community centers open as temporary cooling locations during extreme heat, and you can call 2-1-1 to track down a spot nearby.
Plan Ahead
Try to shift outdoor plans to mornings or evenings where possible, pack extra water, and be ready for gusty conditions on lakes and in parks during the peak heat. The combination of high temperatures and humidity may put pressure on air-conditioning systems and the power grid, so consider dialing back energy use if you can and keep an eye on anyone who might be vulnerable.
Stay tuned to local forecasts and alerts over the weekend in case heat advisories or storm watches are issued. The cool, crisp mornings will be taking a break for a while.
