safety
Molly says poor air quality could be an issue today before more storms move into the metro overnight
By Molly Rosenblatt at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
Air Quality Alerts are in effect for the eastern portion of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The metro is not under this alert however some of this smoke is working its way into the metro. Afternoon highs climb to around 90 with increasing clouds. Storms roll in overnight with an Alert in effe...
Key takeaway Once our Next WeatherMaker, a cold front, moves through the area, drier and cooler conditions settle in with highs only climbing to the low 80’s Tuesday afternoon.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents, especially those with respiratory issues, should take precautions today as poor air quality from eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin drifts into the metro area. The presence of smoke in the air could exacerbate existing health conditions, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed and plan accordingly. As the city's population spends more time outdoors during the warmer months, air quality becomes a pressing concern. The impending storms overnight may bring some relief, but the metro's air quality will likely remain a concern until the cold front moves through, bringing drier and cooler conditions by Tuesday. Residents can stay up-to-date with the latest air quality indexes and forecasts to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities, and take necessary steps to protect their health.
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 19, 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? Air Quality Alerts are in effect for the eastern portion of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The metro is not under this alert however some of this smoke is working its way into the metro. Afternoon highs climb to around 90 with increasing clouds. Storms roll in overnight with an Alert in effe...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Rosenblatt 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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