TWIN CITIES, MN — A dangerous heat wave is forecast to grip the Twin Cities and much of Minnesota next week, with forecasters warning of major to extreme heat risk and high temperatures that could approach or exceed 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service's Twin Cities/Chanhassen office issued a heat risk graphic Thursday showing most of the metro area under a "Red 3" major heat risk on June 29, meaning the heat will affect anyone without access to cooling or hydration, as well as health systems and industries. Portions of southern Minnesota are under a "Magenta 4" extreme heat risk — the highest category — indicating rare and prolonged extreme heat with no overnight relief.
According to the NWS forecast, high temperatures in the Twin Cities are expected to reach 97 degrees on Monday, June 29, before remaining in the lower 90s through the July 4 holiday week.
Forecasters say an upper level ridge will strengthen over the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, sending temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above the seasonal average. Dew point temperatures in the 70s are expected to push heat index values above 100 degrees.
NWS meteorologists also note periodic chances for thunderstorms through much of next week.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, check on elderly neighbors and relatives, and identify local cooling centers if air conditioning is not available at home. Pets should not be left in vehicles.
The extended temperature outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows above-normal temperatures likely to persist through July 3 to 9 across Minnesota and much of the central United States.
Check out the full NWS forecast from the MSP Airport below:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
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