First day of fall will feel like 100 in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - It’s the first day of fall, but it’s going to feel like the peak of summer with the heat index expected to reach the neighborhood of 100 degrees in Minnesota, including Minneapolis-St. Paul.
A heat advisory remains in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. High temperatures are expected to rise to the lower 90s, with “feels like” temperatures of around 100. Heat illnesses are possible with this weather, especially for those who are active outdoors.
HEAT ADVISORY DEFINITION AND PRECAUTIONS
Source: National Weather Service
A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
ABOVE AVERAGE SUMMER
Overall, our summer was officially above average by roughly a degree when combining the months of June, July, and August. That being said, the overall number of times we experienced 90 was actually just shy of average with 11, versus the 14 we see in a typical year. Chart: Number of 90-degree days at MSP Airport
WHEN TO EXPECT THE FIRST FALL FREEZE
Even though we have been really warm over the last week or so, we aren’t far off from freeze season. A couple spots in northeast Minnesota have already managed to record their first freeze. And while the first one for the metro, or the rest of the state for that matter, isn’t on the 7 day forecast yet, it’s likely not far away. Keep reading: The usual first fall freeze is not far away
FALL COLORS FORECAST
Why so early this year? Well, a couple of reasons. Precipitation has been fairly normal and reasonably regular this year, until the first half of this month when the rain pretty much shut off. That can often be a sign to the trees that fall is fast approaching because it is a much drier season on average. Also, this was the coolest August since 2004. Just like humans, trees “remember” recent trends the most, and the last several Augusts have been very very warm. After those warm Augusts, the first couple of freezes came before the trees were ready, launching them into slumber much faster than is healthy for them, just to protect themselves from the suddenly cooler temps. As weird as it sounds, they actually remember that stuff (it’s not clear how). So, when we cooled off in August, the trees thought it was time to start getting ready for winter.