Daily High Records Falling Across the Northern Plains

To say that it has been warm across the northern Plains over the last few days would be an understatement. How long will the heat last for this part of the country? Read on for all of the details of the toasty forecast.

Heat Wave to Persist Across North-Central U.S.

It has been feeling more like the middle of summer for the northern Plains. Temperatures hovered in the mid 90s for the weekend across much of the region. The mercury could top the century mark through Tuesday, translating to a difference of about 30 to 40 degrees over the historical average for the middle of May for some communities. It is no surprise to learn that several daily high records are expected to fall over the region.

Unfortunately, the heat will also bring its own set of risks. Some areas are under red flag warnings as the winds also whip up and increase the threat of wildfire danger. The strong winds from the southwest will further bake the parched soil and vegetation. It will not take much wind for one errant spark to intensify into a major brush fire that threatens structures and lives.

Local officials are also warning that the early-season warmth can come as a surprise to the body, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses. This is a good time to remind people of the importance of staying hydrated, particularly when spending time outside or engaging in strenuous exercise during the peak afternoon heating hours.

The ample sunshine will work to bring the real feel readings even higher through Tuesday. Keep in mind that official temperatures are generally measured in the shade, meaning that the real feel can soar much higher given the right conditions.

Forecasters also note that the water temperatures in area streams, lakes, and ponds have not caught up with the sizzling air temperatures. The water temperatures are still chilly enough to trigger cold water shock in people who decide to jump in in an effort to find relief from the heat. Extreme caution should be used before taking the plunge.

Individual City Forecasts

Daily records that go back to the 1800s could fall on Tuesday as the mercury continues to climb. Some cities in the northern Plains may experience readings that beat the season-high levels from all of last summer.

How long will the heat last? Most areas will begin to see relief from the heat wave by Thursday. A storm system pushing to the east from the Pacific Northwest will bring down the temperatures while also ushering in rain and the threat of thunderstorms.

It will be another scorcher of a day for Fargo, North Dakota, on Tuesday. The metro area is bracing for temperatures in the mid 90s under plentiful sunshine. The fire weather watch will remain in effect through Tuesday as winds hit speeds of 20 to 30 mph from the south. Gusts could easily eclipse the 40 mph mark at times.

The temperatures will only cool slightly on Wednesday in Fargo with a forecast high of about 91 degrees. Winds will also continue to present concerns, clocking in at 15 to 25 mph from the south-southeast.

The pattern will finally break on Wednesday overnight when the clouds and rain showers arrive. Thursday is setting up to be a messy day in Fargo. The city is forecast to experience scattered thunderstorms in the morning that become more pervasive in the afternoon. The high winds will continue, coming in at 15 to 25 mph from the south. The temperatures will take a sharp tumble on Thursday, topping out in the upper 60s before falling to about 43 degrees overnight.

Friday's highs will drop even farther, struggling to climb out of the upper 40s for highs in Fargo. The wind and rain will persist on this day, translating to a sharp contrast to the weather at the end of last week.

The heat will expand as far to the east as western Minnesota. Minneapolis is expecting a high of about 90 degrees on Tuesday. The forecast for the Twin Cities is also calling for mostly sunny skies, winds out of the south-southeast at 10 to 15 mph, and lows that dip into the mid 60s.

After another warm day on Wednesday, the temperatures will slide on Thursday in Minneapolis. Thursday's forecast is predicting a high of 79 degrees as clouds and storms roam the region. Some of the most potent storm cells could usher in locally damaging winds. Friday's forecast will continue the trend of falling temperatures with a high of just 56 degrees. High winds and the threat of thunderstorms will continue to impact this part of the north-central U.S. to bring the work week to a close.

Cooler to the South

Ironically, it will be cooler to the south. For instance, Rapid City, South Dakota, is forecast to see highs in the upper 70s on Tuesday slide to about the 70-degree mark on Wednesday. It will be cooler on Thursday with the mercury stopping at about the 60-degree threshold. Although this area will still see a slight chance of a rain shower on Thursday, it will dodge the mass of storms moving to the north. Winds will pick up in intensity on Thursday in Rapid City with speeds of 20 to 30 mph on tap.

Omaha is also seeing slightly cooler temperatures when compared to its neighbors to the north. The largest metro area in Nebraska is forecast to see a high of about 90 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday before falling into the upper 70s for top readings on Thursday. This is also the day when the rain and the wind will be more of a presence in Omaha.

The back-and-forth weather pattern is forecast to continue through the weekend for the northern Plains, offering residents a bit of everything over the last few weeks.

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