Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Hottest days of summer; heat eases starting Thursday

Record highs Tuesday; more records possible Wednesday

Extreme heat
Extreme heat index and warning.
Twin Cities National Weather Service office

I stepped outside Tuesday afternoon just to feel the hottest day of the year. The heat sank deep into my bones. I stepped out from hockey in a chilled ice arena Tuesday evening, a curtain of humidity wrapped me instantly. Truly stifling.

Welcome to peak summer heat this year in Minnesota. Tuesday was the hottest day of 2023 in the Twin Cities and across most of central and southern Minnesota. Heat index values reached 115 to 119 degrees across most of our region Tuesday afternoon.

Heat index values Tuesday afternoon
Heat index values Tuesday afternoon.
Twin Cities National Weather Service office

As of this post time Wednesday afternoon we’re already within 2 degrees of the daily record high of 97 degrees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport set in 1948.

Much cooler north of the Twin Cities

It’s a tale of two forecasts Wednesday for Minnesota. The heat is intense from the Twin Cities south, but a thick blanket of fog and low clouds is holding temperatures as much as 30 degrees cooler from just north of the Twin Cities to the North Shore.

Temperatures are in the 60s across northeastern Minnesota.

Heat index values Wednesday afternoon
Heat index values Wednesday afternoon
Oklahoma Mesonet

What heat wave? Climate change refuge indeed.

Heat eases this week

Highs Thursday will be closer to 90 degrees in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota.

Forecast high temperatures Thursday
Forecast high temperatures Thursday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The first weekend of the 2023 Minnesota State Fair looks delightful with highs in the 70s to around 80 degrees.

Forecast high temperatures Saturday
Forecast high temperatures Saturday
NOAA

Expect massive crowds at the fair this weekend.