The light rain sliding across Minneapolis early Friday is pretty much the last bit of relief before the metro cranks up the heat. As of 5:35 a.m. CDT on Friday, July 24, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (KMSP) was reporting light rain and a temperature near 68°F. Showers are expected to fade by mid-morning, and then the warmup really begins, with temperatures climbing into the 80s by afternoon ahead of a much hotter Saturday and Sunday.
Extreme Heat Watch
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Twin Cities from Saturday afternoon, July 25, through Sunday evening, July 26. Forecasters warn that heat index values could reach 100 to 105, with overnight lows stuck in the 70s, according to NWS Twin Cities.
What To Expect
Scattered showers are likely early Friday, but they should lose steam by mid-morning, giving way to partly sunny skies and a high in the mid-80s. The real punch comes Saturday and Sunday, when highs soar into the mid-90s and the humidity makes it feel closer to 100 during the hottest parts of the afternoon. South-southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph will funnel in muggy air across the metro, and a few late-night storms could pop up Sunday night into Monday.
Heat Safety
City officials are urging residents to take the heat seriously: drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak afternoon hours, and check on older neighbors and people with medical vulnerabilities. The City of Minneapolis offers tips plus a list of air-conditioned public buildings and other cooling options to help people ride out the hot spell; see the summer-safety guidance at City of Minneapolis.
Hoodline Update
Hoodline published an earlier story on July 23 about the heat building across the Twin Cities. For background and local tips, see background and local tips.
If you have outdoor plans, try to shift activities to the morning or evening hours and bring water along. Expect more official updates as the forecast is refined. Cooling centers and splash pads are likely to be busy, so plan ahead if you need a place to cool off.
