Heat wave potential builds as we head toward May

KMSP - Now that the ice is off area lakes, the frost is out of the ground, and our daylight continues to push toward 14 hours, our heat wave potential continues to climb.  While many would argue that 60’s in January and February, or 70s in March is a heat wave, the classic heat wave in my opinion would involve some sweating.  In many cases, that would involve temperatures above 80°.  Well, our average first 80° is fast approaching in the metro.  Climate records would indicate that the metro typically experiences its first 80° reading before the end of April.  While we have had 3 days in the 70s so far this month that has not occurred yet and doesn’t look like it will over the next few days… but will become increasingly more likely once we get to May.  So does our shot at 90°.  Our average first 90° day in the metro typically shows up before the beginning of June.  Rarely do we hit both in the same day, for example, our warmest day of the year maybe 78°, then all of sudden we jump to 90° before getting a high in the 80s, but it has happened before.  I guess we’ll wait and see.  Meanwhile, enjoy the maps…