Minneapolis is set for a sunny, warm Monday with a high near 89°F and just a whisper of wind — 0 to 5 mph out of the south-southeast — making today the pick of the week for anything outdoors, before storm chances build back in Tuesday. If you have a lake trip, a patio dinner, or yard work on the list, today is the day to get it done.
Today’s Setup
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen office, an upper ridge has kept the metro quiet, but a cold front is dropping into northwest Minnesota today and will slowly sag south through the region into Wednesday. Forecasters say storms firing along that front in the Red River Valley this afternoon could organize and push into western and central Minnesota by evening. The good news for the Twin Cities: those storms are expected to weaken after sunset without a low-level jet to sustain them, which is why tonight here still calls for just a 6% chance of rain, mostly cloudy skies, and a low around 70°F.
Best Window To Be Outside
Today, hands down — sunny skies, light wind, and only a 2% chance of rain. It’s a great day to get out to the Chain of Lakes or the Mississippi riverfront before the pattern turns unsettled. If you’re headed to Mystic Lake Amphitheater tonight for Bob Dylan, conditions should be comfortable and dry for an outdoor show — grab tickets on StubHub if you’re still looking to go.
Storm Risk Builds Tuesday
The NWS has placed the Twin Cities in a Slight Risk for both severe weather and excessive rainfall from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, with uncertainty on exactly where a heavy rain band sets up. Tuesday’s forecast calls for a high near 90°F with a 32% chance of showers and storms after 4 PM CT, followed by a 43% chance overnight with a quarter to half an inch of rain possible. That timing overlaps with the Minnesota Twins hosting the Cleveland Guardians at Target Field on Tuesday, July 7 — tailgaters should plan for warm, muggy conditions early with a rising storm risk as the evening goes on. Grab a Minnesota Twins jersey or Minnesota Twins fitted cap and get tickets on SeatGeek, but keep radar handy after the fourth inning.
What To Wear Or Bring
Sun protection matters today with that 89°F high — pack SPF 50 sunscreen and an insulated water jug 1 gallon to stay hydrated. Heading to a lake? A women’s swimsuit and the 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler (just $24 on Amazon) are perfect for calm water before Tuesday’s wind and storms roll in.
Helpful Links
Browse more outdoor gear deals while the weather’s good, and if you’re planning ahead, check out our coverage of the Meghan Trainor concert at Grand Casino Arena on July 13.
Dinner Idea
With temps near 90°F both today and tomorrow, a light, no-fuss dinner works best — think pasta or a quick stir-fry you can have on the table before any evening storms arrive. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Wednesday backs off slightly to a high near 86°F, though shower chances linger as the front continues its slow slide south. Beyond that, the Twins host the Guardians again Wednesday and Thursday, and forecasters note heat and humidity look to build again by the weekend, with the potential for a heat wave developing Sunday into early next week — worth watching if you have plans out at Target Field or on the water.
