A prolonged stretch of dangerously hot and humid weather is settling over Minnesota, bringing heat index
values near 100 degrees and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
An extreme heat warning issued Sunday includes Hastings, Cottage Grove, Dakota County, Washington
County and the rest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 9
p.m. Thursday, July 16, with temperatures expected to climb above 90 degrees each day through Saturday.
The warning also covers Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties. Heat advisories cover much of
the remainder of central and southern Minnesota, along with portions of western Wisconsin.
High temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s Monday and Tuesday, before gradually declining
throughout the remainder of the week. Sunday’s high is forecast to reach about 88 degrees. When combined
with elevated humidity, conditions could feel closer to 100 degrees during the afternoon and early evening
hours.
The Twin Cities metropolitan area is expected to experience some of the most difficult conditions because
temperatures will remain unusually warm overnight. Overnight lows in some locations may only fall into the
low to middle 70s, providing little relief for people who do not have access to air conditioning.
Hastings, Cottage Grove and the surrounding areas of Dakota and Washington counties are included in the
extreme heat warning, with residents encouraged to take the conditions seriously. Heat-related illnesses
become more common during extended periods of high temperatures and humidity, especially when the body
does not have an opportunity to cool down overnight.
The hottest conditions are expected Monday and Tuesday, but the heat may not disappear when the warning
expires. Temperatures are forecast to ease slightly into the lower 90s later in the week, although the region
could remain hot and uncomfortable for several more days.
Plenty of sunshine is expected throughout the week, with only a limited chance of rain. The extended stretch of
dry, sunny weather could allow roads, sidewalks, buildings and outdoor gathering areas to continue heating
throughout the day.