Minnesota's Heatwave: When to Expect Relief and What to Do

Minnesota is in the grip of a heatwave that started on Friday, and it's not letting go anytime soon. The southeastern part of the state is under a heat advisory until Monday morning, while the rest of the state is under an extreme heat warning until tonight. The National Weather Service has been keeping an eye on the situation, and it's not pretty. The highest temperature recorded was 94 degrees in Houston County, but it felt much hotter due to the humidity. The heat index, which measures how hot it feels, soared above 100 degrees in most places. In some areas, it even reached 105 degrees. The heat was intense, with some places in southwestern Minnesota hitting 102 degrees and a heat index of 110 degrees. The heatwave is expected to continue today, with temperatures in the low to mid-90s and heat index values that could reach 105 degrees or higher. But there's a silver lining. The heatwave is expected to be followed by stormy weather on Monday. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop across southeastern Minnesota, and some of them could be strong or even severe. The main threats are damaging winds and hail. For the rest 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 repeated thunderstorms, raising the risk of localized flooding. So, what can you do to stay safe? The Rochester Public Library is air-conditioned and open until 6 PM today, providing a cool refuge. Rochester Public Transit is also offering free rides on city buses for anyone seeking relief from the heat. Olmsted County Public Health Services has some tips to prevent heat-related illnesses. They recommend using air-conditioning or spending time in air-conditioned spaces, limiting time outdoors, staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and taking cool showers or baths. They also advise checking on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. It's crucial to never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows open or the air conditioning running. Keep pets cool by limiting their exercise to early morning or evening hours and bringing them indoors whenever possible. The heatwave is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. It's a good time to think about how we can adapt to changing weather patterns and protect ourselves and our communities. The heatwave is a challenge, but with the right information and precautions, it's one that we can overcome.