Heat Wave Hangs On in MN, Thunderstorms Forecast Monday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The scorching heat that arrived in the region on Friday is now expected to stick around through tonight and could be followed by severe weather on Monday.

The National Weather Service has extended the heat advisory for the southeastern corner of Minnesota until 7 a.m. Monday, while the extreme heat warning in effect for much of the rest of the state is set to expire at 9 p.m. tonight. The excessive heat warning includes Goodhue, Steele, and Freeborn counties.

The National Weather Service says the official high temperature yesterday at the Rochester Airport was 90°. Temperature readings in the low 90s were common throughout southeastern Minnesota, where the highest was found in Houston County at 94°.

High humidity pushed the "feels like" heat index above 100° in most locations across the region. There were several reports of heat index readings around 105° in Fillmore and Goodhue counties.

Significantly hotter temperatures were recorded farther west. The mercury peaked at 95° in Faribault, while the National Weather Service reported an afternoon high of 102° near Mankato and several other locations in southwestern Minnesota. The heat index reached as high as 110° in parts of south-central and southwestern Minnesota.

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Today promises to be another scorcher. The National Weather Service is predicting afternoon highs in the low to mid-90s in southeastern Minnesota, with heat index values that could reach 105° or higher. Even hotter temperatures and heat index values are expected in areas where the excessive heat warning remains in effect.

Forecasters say the heat wave will likely be followed by stormy, wet weather. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop across southeastern Minnesota on Monday, and strong to severe storms are possible. The main threats are damaging winds and hail.

For the remainder of the week, the region can expect periods of rain, some of which could be heavy. Several inches of rain are possible in areas that experience repeatedthunderstorms, raising the risk of localized flooding.

For anyone needing a place to cool off, the Rochester Public Library is air-conditioned and is open today until 6 PM. Rochester Public Transit is also providing free rides on city buses for anyone seeking relief from the heat.

Olmsted County Public Health Services recommends taking the following steps to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Use air-conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as libraries, malls, community centers, or movie theaters.
• Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors if you must be outside.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car—even with the windows open or the air conditioning running.
• Keep pets cool by limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours and bring them indoors whenever possible.