Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Hottest day of summer likely Thursday for Minnesota

Excessive heat warning Thursday for Twin Cities; heat index could reach 105 degrees

Excessive heat warning
Excessive heat warning Thursday.
Twin Cities National Weather Service office

Remember this in January.

Thursday is likely to be the hottest day of the year for much of southern Minnesota.

Temperatures have already hit 100 degrees in western Minnesota Wednesday afternoon. I saw 100 in Madison and 101 degrees in Canby Wednesday.

Heat index values peaked over 100 at several locations in western Minnesota Wednesday afternoon.

Heat index values Wednesday afternoon
Heat index values Wednesday afternoon
Oklahoma Mesonet

Here are a few select heat index readings for Wednesday.

  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 95 degrees

  • St. Paul, 97 degrees

  • Eden Prairie, 98 degrees

  • Hallock (northwestern Minnesota), 102 degrees

  • Canby (western Minnesota), 102 degrees

  • Worthington, (southwestern Minnesota), 103 degrees

  • Tracy (southwestern Minnesota), 107 degrees

Twin Cities excessive heat warning Thursday

Highs Thursday will reach 95 to 100 degrees across most of southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities Thursday afternoon.

Forecast high temperatures Thursday 2
Forecast high temperature range Thursday
Twin Cities National Weather Service

Dew points will hover in the tropical lower 70s Thursday in southern Minnesota.

The combination of temperatures in the upper 90s and dew points in the 70s will drive heat index values over 100 at many locations Thursday afternoon.

A heat advisory covers all of southern Minnesota and much of western Wisconsin Thursday. Here are the details on the excessive heat warning for the Twin Cities Thursday.

Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota- Including the cities of Minneapolis, Blaine, St Paul, Stillwater, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Shakopee, and Hastings 309 PM CDT Wed Jul 26 2023

...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT THURSDAY...

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 100. For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 expected.

* WHERE...Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Carver, Scott and Dakota Counties.

* WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until noon CDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Warning, from noon to 8 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.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lows tonight will remain in the 70s, which will limit the ability to cool down between two hot afternoons today and Thursday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Scattered thunderstorms will provide some relief from the heat Thursday evening and Friday.

Cooler weather will arrive Friday and Saturday with highs falling back into the 80s.

Forecast high temperatures Saturday
Forecast high temperatures Saturday
NOAA