"Severe Storms and Heatwave Threaten Air Quality in Midwest"

Air quality is expected to improve across much of Minnesota on Thursday, although the weather will be hot and muggy. Storms brought beneficial rain to some areas on Wednesday, with no reports of damaging hail or tornadoes. Highs will reach the upper 80s, feeling warmer due to humidity and sunshine. Some isolated storms are possible in the afternoon. The Fourth of July is expected to be dry, with rain possible later in the evening. Air quality in Minnesota has improved from earlier in the week but remains in the moderate range. Chicago currently has the worst air quality globally, followed by Detroit and Washington, D.C. Minnesota has reached a record number of air quality alerts this year.