Extreme Heat, Hazardous Air Loom Over Metro

Dangerous heat and hazardous air quality are the primary concerns for the Twin Cities on Thursday. A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect through Friday, highlighting the twin threats of extreme heat and poor air quality.

Nearly the entire state is under an air quality alert, with the metro area experiencing an extreme heat warning. Smoke from fires in Canada and northern regions descended upon the Twin Cities, causing air quality to reach the most severe levels of the index.

High temperatures are projected to reach the upper 80s or lower 90s on Thursday, with a slight possibility of pop-up showers or storms in the evening. Friday will see a ramp-up in heat, with highs reaching the low to mid-90s and heat index values nearing 100.

The smoke is expected to gradually shift northward, leading to a slight improvement in air quality within the Twin Cities, though it will still be unhealthy for sensitive individuals. The next opportunity for rain is anticipated with a cold front passing Sunday night, followed by cooler temperatures for the upcoming week.