Cooler but still warm for Monday. Smoke-induced air quality alert extended

Updated 12:00 p.m.

Canadian wildfire smoke continues to create poor air quality. Monday will be cooler but still warm. The next chance of rain develops late Wednesday.

Air quality alerts and cooler temps Monday

Air quality alerts were extended for southern Minnesota until 11 p.m. Monday as smoke is slower to depart than anticipated.

Air quality is unhealthy for everyone across southern Minnesota Monday midday while conditions are improving to the north. Surface conditions should continue to improve throughout the day.

Check the latest air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts here:

The culprit for the poor air quality is Canadian wildfire smoke. There are numerous active fires in western Canada:

The latest smoke analysis shows a very large area of thick smoke stretching from western Canada into central North America, including Minnesota:

Monday will be cooler behind last night’s cool front. Highs will range from the low 70s to low 60s in northern Minnesota. Those readings are still a few degrees above normal.

Winds will be relatively light from the north at 5-15 mph. It’ll be another cool night, especially in northeastern Minnesota where temperatures will dip into the 30s again.

Tuesday will be bright and pleasant again with highs back in the low 70s to low 60s, with cooler readings near Lake Superior.

Next rain chance midweek

The next chance of rain showers develops late Wednesday into early Thursday as an upper-level disturbance passes through Minnesota. 

Rainfall amounts look to be relatively on the lighter side with the Wednesday night system. Most areas will see under one-half inch of rainfall.

Another clipper-type system moves across mainly the northern half of Minnesota Friday, likely touching off a few thunderstorms. It will also be warmer again Friday.