Updraft: July 2, 2012 Archive

Heat and humidity lingers

Posted at 6:42 AM on July 2, 2012 by Craig Edwards (7 Comments)
Filed under: Forecast models, Heat, Thunderstorms, dew point

Mother Nature is turning up the heat this week. It is a good time to be positioned closed to cool water. Slow down. We will experience dangerous heat index levels through Thursday, particularly over southern Minnesota and adjacent areas.

One of the computer models is showing a chance that the thermometer could reach 100 degrees in the shade in the Twin Cities this afternoon. A heat advisory has been posted for all but far northeast Minnesota for today. Hot and humid conditions will push the Heat Index Value close to 105 for several hours. The record high for the Twin Cities for today is 96 degrees, set in 1911.

Source: NWS

The heat index does not take into consideration exposure to direct sunshine. Temperatures in the direct sunshine can be as much as 15 degrees hotter.

Mid afternoon temperature forecast from the NAM:

Source: Twisterdata.com

The UV index will be high. If you must be in the sunshine be sure to apply appropriate skin protection.

Heat safety Information from the National Weather Service

Severe thunderstorms are possible in northern Minnesota today. Stay alert for developing storms and the risk for gusty winds and hail from the lake country north.

We do not see a break in the hot temperatures until a weak cool front settles south of the Great Lakes on Friday. Temperatures may be close to normal on the weekend. Highs will likely still be in the 80s.

Take it easy today. Complete necessary outdoor chores early in the day if possible.

Soon we may be longing for a scene like this!

Photo by Craig Edwards

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Record-setting heat in the Twin Cities

Posted at 4:01 PM on July 2, 2012 by Craig Edwards (3 Comments)
Filed under: Heat, Record, Summer, dew point

The thermometer climbed to a record 98 degrees at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this afternoon. This topped the old record of 96 degrees set in 1911. Heat Index values were over 100 degrees in many locations, as dew points were in the upper 60s to lower 70s. It was a sizzling 99 degrees in Red Wing at 4 p.m.

Based on the extended period of heat and humidity forecast for the next 48 hours the National Weather Service has elevated the heat advisory to an excessive heat warning for Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR HENNEPIN AND RAMSEY COUNTIES THROUGH 10 PM THURSDAY EVENING. THIS INCLUDES THE TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN AREA. THE COMBINATION OF DAYTIME TEMPERATURES IN THE MID AND UPPER 90S AND DEWPOINTS IN THE LOWER 70S...WILL CREATE HEAT INDEX VALUES AROUND 105 THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON. LITTLE RELIEF WILL BE SEEN AT NIGHT WITH OVERNIGHT LOWS REMAINING IN THE MID TO UPPER 70S. THE PROLONGED NATURE OF THE HEAT WAVE...WITH LITTLE RELIEF AT NIGHT COULD CAUSE DANGEROUS HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES.

Maximum temperatures for Tuesday are shown in this National Weather Service forecast.

Source: NWS

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 7 p.m. for parts of northern Minnesota. This watch may be extended east and south this evening.

Storm Prediction Center's outlook for damaging wind potential for the rest of today and tonight:
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center
A weak wind shift line sags into central Minnesota late tonight and has the potential to drag thunderstorms as far south as the Twin Cities. Don't expect much relief as the winds briefly turn to the northeast.

Your 4th of July will indeed be hotter than a firecracker. Marching bands in midday parades will be beating the drum for cold refreshments.

Dreaming of a cool down? Perhaps this weekend as temperatures slip below the 90 degree mark for daytime highs.

A continuation of above normal temperatures is expected through mid July.

Six- to ten-day outlook from NOAA

Be cautious and act responsibly if heading to the lake for the next couple of days.

Craig Edwards

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