Fire risk, air quality concerns in Minnesota Monday as hot streak continues
A red flag warning and air quality alert will be in effect in Minnesota on a hot, windy Monday.
The red flag warning will be in place for nearly the entire state from noon to 9 p.m. due to "critical fire weather conditions," the National Weather Service said.
The air quality alert will be in place for the same time in western and central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities. The NWS said ozone pollution will cause the Air Quality Index to reach the orange category, which means it will be unhealthy for sensitive groups like children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions.
Those concerns aside, the state is in for an unseasonably warm day, with highs in the upper 80s and gusty winds.
Tuesday will be another hot, breezy day, with continuing fire risk. Temps could reach 90 again.
Wednesday will start warm, but clouds will begin building. On Thursday, showers and storms will return and provide a break from the heat.
Temps will plummet by Friday, with highs slipping below average into the mid-60s. Weekend highs will be 20-plus degrees cooler than this past weekend.