Historic Central Minnesota Heatwave Continues for Eighth Day in a Row

(KNSI) – It’s official: Minnesota is mired in a major heatwave.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the heatwave that began June 3rd is of historic duration and intensity so early in the season.

Records were set in the St. Cloud area on June 4th and 5th, beating old records that had been in place for close to or over 100 years. St. Cloud missed the record June 9th by one degree, but the record for June 10th is in danger of being tied or beaten as the National Weather Service is predicting the high temperature today to hit 97. The old record is 96, which was set in 1933.

The DNR says Minnesota has had many historical heat waves that were “worse” than this one on numerous counts. However, at many locations, this was the longest and most severe heatwave to occur so early in the season. It’s not unusual to have several days or more of 90-degree weather during the middle of July, which is typically the hottest part of the year around here, but it is unusual to do so during (or before) the first half of June.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday. The combination of the heat and humidity will push the heat index or “feels like factor” up over 100 in many areas. If you are exercising outside, experts advise to do it either early in the morning or later in the evening during the cooler parts of the day. If you are going to be outside for any length of time, they say to drink plenty of water, seek shade, take frequent breaks, and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.

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