Heat Advisory in Effect for St. Cloud Area Through Tuesday Evening

(KNSI) – A stretch of dangerously hot and humid weather has settled over central Minnesota, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Heat Advisory for Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties through 9:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters with the Twin Cities office say heat index values could climb as high as 100 degrees each afternoon, with little relief expected overnight. The combination of high temperatures and humidity increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The advisory covers a large swath of central, southern, and western Minnesota, along with parts of northwest and west central Wisconsin, including St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, Monticello, and Elk River.

The National Weather Service urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, limit time in the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly. Anyone spending time outdoors should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and try to schedule strenuous activities for the early morning or evening hours.

According to the agency’s extended outlook, the hot weather is expected to continue through at least Tuesday evening, with afternoon heat index values between 95 and 100 degrees each day.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, can involve confusion, a rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should receive immediate medical attention.

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