Minneapolis–St. Paul kicks off the Memorial Day weekend stretch with mostly sunny skies and a high near 88°F today — but before you head outside, know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for ozone pollution across the Twin Cities metro from noon through 9 PM CT.
Today’s Setup
A stubborn high-pressure pattern known as omega blocking is locking in warm, mostly dry conditions across the region. Expect sunshine through the morning with a few mid-to-high clouds filtering in by afternoon. Winds are calm — just 0 to 5 mph out of the south-southeast — so it’ll feel pleasant despite the heat. Tonight turns mostly cloudy with a low around 64°F, and temperatures actually climb back to near 67°F overnight ahead of the weekend.
Air Quality Alert: What You Need to Know
The National Weather Service and MPCA are flagging elevated ozone levels from noon through 9 PM CT today, peaking during the evening rush when traffic is heaviest and temperatures are warmest. Sensitive groups — kids, older adults, and anyone with asthma or respiratory conditions — should limit prolonged outdoor activity during this window. Running a HEPA air purifier at home makes a real difference on days like this, and keeping allergy relief nasal spray handy is smart as pollen counts are also elevated. If you’re heading out in the afternoon, a pollen count face mask offers double-duty protection. An air quality monitor indoor can help you track exactly how conditions are affecting your home.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning is your sweet spot. Head to Minnehaha Falls, Bde Maka Ska, or the Chain of Lakes trails before noon for the cleanest air and manageable temperatures. Golfers, cyclists, and anglers heading out to one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes will want an early start. If bass fishing is on the agenda, warm water temps mean the fish are active — check out the Strike King KVD Crankbaits from $6 at Bass Pro Shops for an affordable way to gear up before you launch the boat.
Events This Weekend
Tonight is a packed night for indoor entertainment — perfect for sidestepping the afternoon air quality concerns. Riverdance 30 - The New Generation plays the State Theatre and Bobby Lee: The Finally Tour 2026 brings laughs to the Orpheum Theatre. Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek before shows sell out.
On Saturday, David Spade: I Got A Feel For It hits Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Brit Floyd The Moon, The Wall and Beyond takes the stage at Vetter Stone Amphitheater — two very different vibes, both worth checking out.
Looking ahead to Monday, June 1, the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The forecast looks warm and dry — prime tailgating conditions. Represent at the ballpark in a Minnesota Twins jersey or pick up a Minnesota Twins fitted cap before you head downtown.
Dinner Tonight
With warm temps and no reason to crank up the oven, a light pasta or veggie stir-fry keeps dinner easy and the kitchen cool. You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door in time for a relaxed evening in.
Next Few Days
Saturday brings a high near 83°F under mostly cloudy skies, with winds picking up to 5–15 mph ESE and gusts near 25 mph Saturday night. Sunday introduces a 17% rain chance — the first real moisture headed our way — with a high near 82°F. The National Weather Service expects above-normal temperatures to persist well into next week. Enjoy the dry stretch while it lasts, Twin Cities.
