Excessive Heat Warnings, Heat Advisories Posted for This Week

(KNSI) — To quote singer/songwriter Glenn Frey, the heat is on this week as temps in the 90s will settle in over the area prompting warnings and advisories.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for roughly the southern third of Minnesota as an intense heat wave sets up through the day Monday and settles in for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The air temperatures will be in the low 90s, but dewpoints will push heat index values up to 111. There will be little relief overnight as lows only reach the low to mid 70s.

The warning is in effect from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 22nd, through 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 23rd, includes Sherburne and Wright Counties, the Twin Cities, Marshall, Worthington, Albert Lea, Winona, Red Wing and parts of Wisconsin. The heat extends south through all of Iowa, Missouri, a large chunk of Illinois, all of Arkansas, and Louisiana, and the eastern parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, plus the southeastern corner of South Dakota.

A heat advisory is in effect from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 24th. Temps will be in the low 90s, but still humid conditions will put heat index values in the upper 90s, close to 100.

While heat and humidity are staples of the summer, the National Weather Service says this kind of heat this time of year is rare for Minnesota. They say June and July tend to be the warmest months of the year, and the air begins to cool in August.

Forecasters say to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, stay in air conditioning as much as possible, and check up on relatives and neighbors – especially those who are older, frail, lack air conditioning or are in poor health.

They also say to take extra precautions when working or spending time outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioned environments and know the signs of heat related illnesses.

See more heat related safety tips here.

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