safety
WEATHER ALERT: Hazardous air quality and dangerous heat continue
By Chris Reece at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Minnesota’s Weather Authority maintains a Weather Alert as hazardous wildfire smoke and high heat continue through Friday.
WILDFIRE SMOKE: Some of the worst air quality in the world has been over Minnesota, and the air is now considered hazardous for all. This is not just an issue for sensitiv...
Key takeaway TONIGHT: It stays warm, muggy, and smoky, with lows only falling into the mid-70s.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The prolonged hazardous air quality and heat wave pose significant concerns for Minneapolis residents, particularly those who rely on outdoor activities for their livelihood or well-being. Outdoor workers, such as construction workers and landscapers, are at increased risk due to the compounding effects of heat and smoke. Additionally, the city's many parks and recreational areas, normally bustling with activity, are now hazardous for everyone, not just sensitive groups. The heat and smoke also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, which are prevalent in the city. As the situation continues, Minneapolis residents should be vigilant about monitoring air quality and heat indexes, and take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as staying indoors and using air conditioning or filtered indoor air. The city's response to this public health crisis will be crucial in mitigating its impacts on vulnerable populations.
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: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Minnesota’s Weather Authority maintains a Weather Alert as hazardous wildfire smoke and high heat continue through Friday.
WILDFIRE SMOKE: Some of the worst air quality in the world has been over Minnesota, and the air is now considered hazardous for all. This is not just an issue for sensitiv...
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 Chris Reece 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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