You expect summer heat as the 4th of July closes in, even way up here in Minnesota. Many of us look forward to those warm days on the lake. Especially after those long winters, you come to cherish the mid-summer heat. But Monday's heat is on another level.
Temperatures in the mid to upper-90s across the state, combined with tropical-level dew points in the mid-70s will push the heat index well above 100 degrees, perhaps as high at 110 across parts of Minnesota. Those conditions are unusual, and dangerous.
WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer says Monday is definitely the day to remember all of those heat safety rules.
"Stay hydrated, spend some time in the shade, try to avoid the direct sunlight," Shaffer said on the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar.
That means being extremely careful with strong physical exertion.
"Don't go for a long run in the middle of the afternoon because that's when it's going to be at its worst, the peak heating," Shaffer adds.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning and Advisory, depending on where you are in Minnesota. The level of heat and humidity will be dangerous to anyone without reliable AC, those working and doing strenuous activities outside, young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
Medical experts say that prolonged heat exposure could cause heat-related illnesses, so people should consider limiting outdoor activities. That's something Andy Lindus with Lindus Construction is considering. He says he will pull his crews off the job Monday, if it becomes necessary.
"You got to trust your body and know when it's time to take a break, and it's OK if this is it for the day," Lindus explained on his Saturday morning show on WCCO Radio. "We can live to fight another day. Accidents are something we want to avoid at all costs, and if the job takes a little bit longer to accomplish, so be it."
Lindus says when his workers are on the roof, the temperatures can reach 110 degrees, even without this kind of heat and humidity.
The Extreme Heat Warning covers all of the Twin Cities metro, most of western Wisconsin, and much of the southern third of Minnesota. North of Little Falls, and west of Redwood Falls, it's a Heat Advisory.
"It will be hot, a high of 95, these dew points are in the mid-70s, so you get that combination of heat and humidity," Shaffer explains. "It feels like 105 to 110, and you lose the ability to cool your body down, essentially. So it could get dangerous with heat illnesses. Be careful."
Another issue is at night, which is actually the most dangerous time for vulnerable people without AC.
"We don't warm down at night. That's part of the trouble," Shaffer adds. "74, the overnight low tonight."
While the rest of the week won't be this dangerously warm, it's still going to be the hottest stretch of the year by far.
"We've got it all week long," Shaffer says. "Back to the heat tomorrow, partly cloudy, 92, not quite as humid. "So, we'll probably be a little less dangerous, but just protect yourself all week because 91 Wednesday, 92 Thursday heading toward the 4th of July, 90 on Friday. And Independence Day, partly cloudy and 89. It will be humid all week long as well."
"This kind of heat and humidity is also likely to spark some thunderstorms. There will be storms to the north and west, Shaffer says. "So a very summer-like vibe, a heat wave on our lap here."
EXTREME HEAT WARNING MONDAY 9AM-MIDNIGHT
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, southeast, and southwest Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to midnight CDT tonight.
* IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
CHRIS SHAFFER FORECAST
MONDAY: Extreme Heat Warning 9a-midnight (feels 105-110). Partly cloudy. High: 95. S 15-20 mph.
MONDAY NIGHT: Scattered showers with isolated storms possible. Low: 74. SW wind 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. High: 92. SW wind 10-15 mph.
Hot and humid all weeks with rounds of rain/storms possible.
Average high and low….82/64
