Minnesota and Western Wisconsin is about to get another taste, just a taste, of what much of the U.S. has dealt with all summer: excessive heat.
Compared of most of America, Minnesota has been in the clear from the massive heat waves. But the two days we're about to experience are about as hot as it gets in the land of 10,000 (and more) lakes. Might need every bit of those lakes too.
The National Weather Service has already issues an excessive heat warning and a heat advisory for the southern third of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. WCCO's Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas says this is extreme, record-setting heat for Minnesota in late-August.
Even in July 100 degree temps are fairly rare, but Minnesota has only had seven days in August that reached at least 100 degrees in the last 150 years, and it's been over 30 years since it last happened.
"The record high for tomorrow and again Wednesday is 97. I think we're going to at least tie records, and maybe break records, both days" says Douglas. "Hard to say which day will be 100 degrees, but I think for the first time since 1988, in August, the Twin Cities may experience 100 degrees. Certainly we're going to be in the ballpark and again Wednesday in the late afternoon."
To make matters worse, this is not going to be a dry heat. It's going to be a swamp according to Douglas. Don't expect any relief at night either.
"The dew points will be in the 70s and that drippy dew point will have a swamp-like heat index. According to the National Weather Service, it could be 111," Douglas explains. "I think that's sort of a worst-case scenario. In the downtowns, the heat magnified by the urban heat island, all the asphalt, the buildings, tend to keep things warmer, especially at night. I don't think it's going to get cooler than 80 degrees for a low Tuesday night so we'll be starting off a lot hotter on Wednesday."
The good news?
"It will cool off in time for the fair," says Douglas. "Still steamy Thursday but not quite as dangerous. But by Friday back in the 80s, lower humidity. By Saturday and Sunday, daytime highs near 80, a fresh breeze, big drop in humidity, much more fair-worthy and comfortable if you're heading out to the fair this weekend."
There's a chance of some severe weather in western Wisconsin Monday where there is a marginal risk for storms. The main threat is large hail. Nothing severe is expected in the Twin Cities. In fact, no rain is in the forecast which is not good news. Much of Minnesota still needs significant rain.
FORECAST:
Monday- Partly sunny and warm. Winds: High: 86.
Tuesday- Heat dome and swamp-like. Feels like 105+. High 97.
Wednesday- Hottest August day in 35 years? High: 100 (overnight low 78).
Thursday- Plenty of sun with just slight relief. High 92.
Friday- Sunny and more tolerable. High 87.
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING 11 AM TUESDAY TO 10 PM CDT WEDNESDAY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions over multiple days. For the Excessive Heat Warning, heat index values up to 111 expected. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 97 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central and southeast Minnesota, and northwest and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN...For the Excessive Heat Warning, from 11 AM Tuesday to 10 PM CDT Wednesday. For the Heat Advisory, from 10 PM Wednesday to 7 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
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