Early Tuesday, July 7, Minneapolis woke up to mostly clear skies and a muggy 66°F at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. That humidity is not going anywhere, so it will feel stickier than the thermometer suggests through the day. Later tonight, though, a stronger batch of showers and thunderstorms is expected to roll in and could hang around into Wednesday morning.
Tonight Into Wednesday
Late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (July 7-8, 2026), a cluster of showers and thunderstorms is likely, with the best chance of storms roughly between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, storms could bring damaging straight-line winds and hail, and some spots may pick up a half-inch or more of rain. Forecasters note there is a non-zero tornado risk, and repeated rounds of storms could produce localized flooding across portions of central Minnesota.
Daytime Outlook And Commute
Before the late-night action, Tuesday itself looks mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 89°F and light west winds, a pretty pleasant setup for any outdoor plans. Wednesday turns cooler, with highs near 81°F, but showers and thunderstorms are likely through the morning and into the afternoon. The Wednesday commute could be slow wherever heavy rain sets up, so if you have early meetings or school drop-offs, plan on some extra travel time and steer clear of flooded streets.
Heat Building For Weekend
Once this system moves out, temperatures bounce back quickly. Highs climb into the low 90s by Sunday and could approach the mid-90s by Monday, July 13, making heat safety a real concern later next week. The City of Minneapolis has posted guidance on staying safe during extreme heat, including checking on neighbors and using air-conditioned public spaces. Keep pets and people who are vulnerable in cool places and stay hydrated as the humidity stays elevated.
What To Do
For tonight and early Wednesday, it is a good idea to move outdoor plans indoors, charge phones in case of power outages, and secure loose patio furniture that strong winds could turn into projectiles. If you see lightning, head inside immediately. If you are driving in the rain, slow down and avoid standing water. Keep an eye on local watches and warnings and check the National Weather Service office page for updates through the night.
