Minneapolis woke up to blue skies and a comfy 70°F Sunday morning, but the mood will turn more midsummer by afternoon. Temperatures are headed toward about 88°F, with southeast winds of 5 to 15 mph. A few scattered showers or thunderstorms could pop up between roughly 2 and 5 p.m. On top of that, an Air Quality Alert for elevated ozone is in place through 11 p.m., which means people with asthma, heart disease, older adults and children should go easy on outdoor exertion.
Afternoon Storm Risk
Spotty showers and a few thunderstorms may fire up this afternoon, mainly after about 2 p.m., with coverage expected to be hit or miss across the metro. Widespread severe weather is not on the table, but brief heavy downpours could still cause quick ponding on streets and slick roads. If you have outdoor plans, having a light rain jacket nearby is not the worst idea.
Sunday Night Into Monday
The more organized action arrives later. A broader band of showers and thunderstorms is likely from Sunday night into Monday morning, which will bring the best chance for a steadier soaking and some heavier pockets of rain. Most of the Twin Cities can expect around a quarter to a half inch of rain, with localized spots picking up 2 inches or more if storms repeatedly track over the same neighborhoods. Southeast winds will increase to around 10 to 15 mph Sunday night, then conditions slowly turn drier as Monday wears on. For the latest forecast details and discussion on these multiple storm rounds, check NWS Twin Cities.
Air Quality Alert
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has an Air Quality Alert posted for elevated ozone through 11 p.m. Sunday for southern, central and western Minnesota, which includes the metro. The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category this afternoon. That means sensitive groups should limit long or heavy outdoor activity and avoid extra-hard workouts outside. Full details and current AQI numbers are available from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
What To Expect This Week
Monday looks cooler with leftover showers early and highs near 81°F. By Tuesday, the heat bounces back into the low 90s with only a slight chance of a passing shower. Wednesday is shaping up as the most active day of the bunch, with highs near 90°F, the potential for repeated rounds of storms, and stronger south winds with gusts up to 30 mph that could knock down small branches and slow travel. Keep an eye on afternoon forecast updates for any shifts in timing or coverage at NWS Twin Cities.
How To Prepare
For Sunday and Monday, plan on a flexible schedule. Pack a light rain jacket, budget extra time for midday or evening driving, and be ready to duck inside if a downpour rolls through. If you are in a sensitive group for air quality, stay indoors during the late-afternoon ozone peak and move high-intensity workouts inside. For severe weather updates and any road impacts, stick with local forecasts and official alerts.
