Minneapolis and St. Paul open Saturday, July 25 under low morning clouds that burn off by late morning, giving way to a mostly sunny, hot afternoon with a high near 94°F and heat index values up to 100 degrees. Get lawn work, dog walks, and errands done before 10 AM CT or after 7 PM CT — this is day one of a multi-day heat wave the National Weather Service says peaks Sunday.
Today’s Setup
Overnight stratus tied to rich low-level moisture is lifting across the Twin Cities this morning and should scatter within a few hours, per the NWS Twin Cities office. Once the sun breaks through, temperatures climb quickly with west-southwest wind at 5 to 10 mph and only a 6% chance of rain. Saturday Night stays sticky, low near 77, with heat index values still near 99.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your best stretch is before midmorning, while temps sit in the 70s and 80s — a good fishing window on the metro’s lakes if you’re out early. A UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie is a cheap, smart add for sun protection on the water this fishing season. Golfers should book early tee times and pack a golf cooler bag insulated, since heat index values push past 95 by midday. Evening after 7 PM CT is the other comfortable window, with winds staying light.
Heat Risk Through The Weekend
The NWS has Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories posted across the metro through Sunday evening. Sunday is the hottest day, with a high near 97°F and heat index values reaching 100 to 107 degrees. Forecasters note low confidence in thunderstorms today or Sunday because of atmospheric capping, though a slight chance of storms returns Sunday afternoon after 1 PM. Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, check on elderly neighbors and pets, and never leave anyone in a parked car.
What To Wear Or Bring
Lightweight clothing and SPF 50 sunscreen are non-negotiable both days. Runners and walkers should carry a hydration running vest rather than a single water bottle to stay ahead of the heat.
Game Day And Event Weather
The Minnesota Twins host the Athletics at Target Field today and Sunday, with Kirby Puckett Jersey Day at today’s game — expect heat index near 100 at first pitch, so grab a Minnesota Twins jersey and Minnesota Twins fitted cap. Minnesota United FC hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps at Allianz Field Sunday evening, when temps ease into the 80s. Downtown stays busy tonight too: Megan Moroney plays Target Center, Wicked continues at the Orpheum Theatre, and Hilary Duff and The Mavericks play Mystic Lake — all comfortably indoors. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub before showtime.
Helpful Links
Browse outdoor gear deals before you head out, including the $5 UPF sun hoodie timed perfectly for this stretch of fishing season.
Tonight’s Dinner
With temps this high, it’s ideal grilling weather for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob once things cool off after 7 PM. An instant-read meat thermometer and grill brush and scraper set make quick work of it. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Less humid air arrives Monday, but the NWS says highs stay in the low 90s through next week — less mugginess, not a real break. Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show hits Mystic Lake Amphitheater Wednesday, July 29 — grab a Chris Stapleton t-shirt and tickets on SeatGeek now. Bottom line: hydrate, pace yourself outdoors, and save the heavy activity for after sunset all weekend.
