Minneapolis residents should brace for a smoky start to the week as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to blanket much of Minnesota on Monday, July 14. This will bring hazardous air quality and poor visibility to the Twin Cities and major highways, including I-94, making outdoor activity dangerous.
What to Expect on Monday
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the National Weather Service, an Air Quality Alert will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Monday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) will reach “Very Unhealthy” levels, putting everyone at risk, especially children, seniors, and individuals with lung or heart conditions. The smoke will make breathing difficult, and outdoor activity is strongly discouraged.
Motorists on I-94, I-35W, and other local routes should be aware of reduced visibility and potential respiratory discomfort. Officials urge sensitive groups to stay indoors and use air purifiers if available. Car travel should be minimized, and outdoor events should be rescheduled until air quality improves.
By the afternoon, winds will shift, helping to clear out the smoke. Monday night will bring mostly clear skies, offering some relief from the smoky conditions.
Weather for the Rest of the Week
Looking ahead, the five-day forecast includes classic summer weather swings. After a smoky Monday, expect mostly sunny skies on Tuesday, with highs near 90°F. Showers and thunderstorms are possible late Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, the chance for storms increases, and temperatures will drop to 75°F. Thursday will bring partly cloudy skies, with highs around 74°F, and Friday sees another round of scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures near 77°F.
Five-Day Forecast for Minneapolis, July 14–18
Monday (7/14): Areas of smoke, high 91°F, winds S 5–10 mph, clearing in the afternoon, mostly clear at night.
Tuesday (7/15): Mostly sunny, high 90°F, showers and storms possible late.
Wednesday (7/16): Storm chance, high 75°F, mostly cloudy, breezy.
Thursday (7/17): Partly cloudy, high 74°F, light winds.
Friday (7/18): Scattered showers/storms, high 77°F, periods of clouds and sun.
Stay Weather-Aware
As the smoky conditions gradually clear, Minneapolis residents are advised to heed health warnings and stay indoors during the worst air quality hours.
Keep windows closed to prevent smoke from entering homes, and stay weather-aware as storm chances increase later in the week. Conditions will remain unsettled with thunderstorms possible through Wednesday night and again on Friday.
