"Dangerously hot" temperatures to hit the Twin Cities
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A sweltering heat wave could deliver the Twin Cities its first 100° day of the summer this week.
Threat level: A "dangerously hot" excessive heat advisory takes effect across the metro region late Tuesday morning and is expected to last through Wednesday night.
- Temperatures are forecasted to hit the high 90s, with heat index values — what it actually feels like — soaring above 110.
The big picture: The last time we saw triple-digit temperatures in August was in 1988 — 35 years ago, per the National Weather Service.
- The agency has only recorded August highs over 100 seven times in the last 150 years.
Plus: Wednesday's forecasted high could break the daily record of 97°, per the Star Tribune.
Of note: Breaking triple digits would be one of the latest 100° dates in Twin Cities history, but not the latest. NWS records show a 104° reading in September of 1931.
What they're saying: The NWS warns that the high temperatures and humidity "will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."
- Roads could buckle as a result of the high temps, forecasters warn.
Zoom out: The Twin Cities isn't the only region experiencing high temps this week. A record-breaking heat dome will sit over much of the central U.S.
Be smart: Drink lots of water and stay indoors in an air-conditioned room if you can. Keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and young kids, and pets.
- While some local pools are closing or reducing hours for the summer, Hennepin and Ramsey counties both maintain lists of places residents can go to cool off.
What's ahead: The heat will stick around for Thursday's start of the State Fair when highs should be in the 90s, but it's expected to break over the weekend.
The bottom line: We may be sweating now, but as NWS playfully noted online, we'll be shivering under piles of snow again before we know it.