safety
Minnesota’s Weather Authority Alert(s) remain in effect–Ken Barlow
By Ken Barlow at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
Good Thursday morning!
*MINNESOTA’S WEATHER AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED AN ALERT DAY FROM TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY FOR THE HEAT*
*AN AIR QUALITY ALERT IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR SMOKY SKIES TODAY AND POSSIBLY FRIDAY*
The heatwave, which started on Saturday when we first hit 90 degrees, will continue tod...
Key takeaway Heat index readings well into the middle 90’s to near 100 degrees will last through Friday but slowly improve over the weekend.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents should be prepared for an uncomfortable couple of days as the heatwave and poor air quality combine to make outdoor activities challenging. The city's parks and lakes, usually a haven for warm-weather enthusiasts, may not provide the usual relief due to the smoky skies. Local businesses, particularly those that rely on outdoor seating or activities, may see a decline in customers as people opt to stay indoors where the air is cleaner and cooler. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area's vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, are especially at risk from the heat and poor air quality, and community organizations may need to provide additional support to help them stay safe. As the heat index remains high through Friday, residents should stay informed about the latest weather and air quality updates to plan their daily activities accordingly.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Good Thursday morning!
*MINNESOTA’S WEATHER AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED AN ALERT DAY FROM TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY FOR THE HEAT*
*AN AIR QUALITY ALERT IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR SMOKY SKIES TODAY AND POSSIBLY FRIDAY*
The heatwave, which started on Saturday when we first hit 90 degrees, will continue tod...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ken Barlow at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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