Minnesota is bracing for an extended period of high temperatures, and it could turn into one of the hottest stretches we've had in recent memory.
A major weather shift is headed for the region as a building high pressure ridge replaces recent heavy rains with a stretch of intense summer heat - and yes, a heat dome.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe Strus says daily temperatures are expected to consistently climb into the 90s, with high humidity pushing heat index values near triple digits.
"So, it may feel next week like we are approaching the triple digits through the afternoon, possibly even exceeding in spots a couple of days," Strus says. "We haven't had this kind of heat around here in a while, so make extra plans to have plenty of water."
He says sensitive groups and people who work outside should take extra precautions, especially headed into the weekend.
While actual thermometer readings are forecast for 90-plus temps, an excess of moisture will make afternoons feel significantly hotter.
"Some of the data says, hey, every day's going to be above 100 degrees," Strus explains. "Right now we're erring on the side of caution. We do not necessarily think we're going to have four days of triple digits here, but what may feel like the triple digits will be those heat index values."
Strus adds they will continue tracking the pattern to determine if heat advisories or additional safety warnings become necessary.
"We get to the weekend and we really start to warm up," adds WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer. "89 on Saturday, 92 on Sunday. Dominant sunshine both days. No soaking rains like we had on the 4th of July and we'll stay in the 90s into next week."
Shaffer says if there's a slight silver lining, it won't quite be as oppressively humid as our last heat wave.
"The hottest days appear to be Monday and Tuesday with highs around 94," Shaffer explains. "We could get heat advisories. I don't think we'll be dealing with the extreme heat warnings because it won't be as humid as it was, if you remember that stretch back in June where you were dripping when you went to get the mail."
Shaffer also says that the recent rainy weather will also disappear with the incoming high pressure and heat, so leave that umbrella in the closet.
"You won't need it, but we'll get our sweat on starting this weekend," he adds.
For those in far northwest Minnesota, and certainly in the Dakotas, an Extreme Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 108 are possible. That watch includes areas from Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, and Fargo, north to Grand Forks, Thief River Falls and even Roseau.
Chris Shaffer's Forecast:
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. High: 90. Low:70. S Wind 5-10 mph.
SUNDAY: Sunny. High near 93. S-SW Wind 5 to 10 mph.
MONDAY: Sunny and hot.. High near 94. S-SW Wind 5 to 10 mph.
Temps continue in the mid-90s Tuesday, dropping slightly into the low 90s Wednesday and Thursday.
Average high and low….84/66
National Weather Service forecaster Joe Strus says this could become one of the hottest stretches of weather we've seen in some time.
National Weather Service forecaster Joe Strus says this could become one of the hottest stretches of weather we've seen in some time.
