Updraft: July 10, 2009 Archive

Anniversary of the Hottest Week in Minnesota History

Posted at 9:25 AM on July 10, 2009 by Mark Seeley (1 Comments)

Most MPR listeners have remarked recently about the cooler than normal weather that has greeted us for much of the summer. It is appreciated especially by those who remember some of the recent summer heat waves, when the Heat Index exceeded 100 degrees F.

This week, July 7-13, back in 1936 was the hottest week in Minnesota history. Without air conditioning, community swimming pools, athletic clubs, etc citizens had to endure a seven day period when the average temperature was in the 90s F. Approximately 900 Minnesotans died from heat related health problems, while the state's crops and livestock were merely trying to survive. The Twin Cities climate record for that period shows the following values for temperature, which in order are the daily high, low, and mean values:

7/7/36___101 F___ 80 F___ 91 F
7/8/36___101 F___ 82 F___ 92 F
7/9/36____ 96 F___ 82 F___ 89 F
7/10/36___106 F___80 F___ 93 F
7/11/36___106 F___82 F___ 94 F
7/12/36___106 F___83 F___ 95 F
7/13/36___105 F___86 F___ 96 F

Many slept on porches, outside on lawns, or along lakeshores. Electric fans and simple blocks of ice were highly valued. Some remember that it was like living in Phoenix, AZ during this summer week. No other period in Minnesota history has been so unbearably hot. So be grateful if you are sleeping comfortably this month.

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Weekend Outlook: Almost perfect

Posted at 3:32 PM on July 10, 2009 by Paul Huttner (0 Comments)

Twin Cities NWS forecasts highs in the upper 70s and low 80s Saturday.

These are the weekends we wait for all year.

Bright sun, low humidity and lakes warm enough to swim in. Does it get any better than this?

A cool front is sliding slowly through southern Minnesota this evening. The front may be the focus for thunderstorms developing in southern Minnesota this evening. A few renegade showers also linger behind the front in central Minnesota near Brainerd and St. Cloud. Look for a slight chance of a lingering shower tonight in the Twin Cities.

Saturday looks spectacular statewide. Plenty of sun will grace us. Look for highs in the 70s central and north. We should be near 80 in the Metro and low to mid 80s will rule southern Minnesota. Direr Canadian air will keep dew points down into the 40s and 50s. It may even feel just a touch cool by late Saturday evening.

Sunday looks good as well, with only a slight chance of showers.

Enjoy the finest weekend Minnesota has to offer. And remember this one in January!

PH

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