Minneapolis woke up to crystal-clear skies at 5:35 a.m. CDT on Thursday, July 23, with the air a crisp 59°F and just a hint of a breeze. It is a classic midsummer fake-out: a bright, comfortable start before the heat cranks up in a big way this weekend.
This Afternoon
Sun stays in control, with a high near 81 and south-southwest winds around 0 to 10 mph through the afternoon. It should feel pleasant enough for a walk around the lake, outdoor errands, or an evening meetup without instantly melting into the sidewalk.
Friday Into The Weekend
Friday turns mostly sunny and a bit warmer, with highs around 83 and winds increasing to 5 to 15 mph. The real story, though, arrives Saturday and Sunday as a ridge builds in and flips the switch to full-on summer heat: highs near 93 on Saturday and around 95 on Sunday, with that heat likely hanging on into Monday.
There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Sunday into Monday morning. Forecasters say the highest odds come late Sunday, and any storms would likely be scattered and brief, according to the National Weather Service.
Where To Cool Off
If your box fan is losing the battle, look to air-conditioned public buildings, recreation centers, and park splash pads around the city for relief. The City of Minneapolis has tips and a list of cooling options for residents, including locations and safety guidance, on its official City of Minneapolis summer-safety information.
This weekend’s heat is essentially a sequel to the earlier mid-July surge that had thermometers flirting with the upper 90s and could once again affect outdoor events and commutes. For a refresher on that earlier blast, see how the city was expected to swelter as a brutal heat wave nears 97 degrees.
