Record Heat for Early June: Heat has been the dominant signature of the weather pattern across Minnesota over the first 10 days of June. In fact, based on average temperatures reported from all the climate stations in the state it has been the hottest first 10 days of June in state history, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 14 degrees above normal for the entire 10 day period, and up to 23 degrees above normal on individual days. At least 35 climate stations have reported a maximum temperature of 100°F this week, with many overnight low temperatures remaining in the 70s F. Dew points have gradually increased over the week from the 40s and 50s F to the 60s F and even near 70°F, making the Heat Index approach or exceed 100 degrees in places. Some Heat Index values ranged from 105 to 110 degrees F this week. Within the Minnesota climate station network over 300 new daily warm maximum and warm minimum temperature records were set, including a reading of 98°F at International Falls
Heat Settles In: Afternoon temperatures on Thursday, June 3rd rose into the 90s F across much of Minnesota, rivaling the high temperatures set for the year so far that occurred over May 1 and 2 last month, when 20 counties reported high temperatures from 90-95°F. Temperatures on Thursday ranged from 90°F to 93°F across 26 Minnesota counties. In many areas the temperatures rose above the forecasted highs and the afternoon relative humidity bottomed out between 15 and 30 percent. Because of the high temperatures, low humidity and dry soil seven northwestern counties from Norman to Kittson County were placed in a Red Flag Warning by the National Weather Service. The heat and the Red Flag Warnings in northwestern Minnesota will likely carry over into the weekend as a number of daily all-time high temperature records may be threatened for Saturday, June 5th. Sunday will be hot as well before late day cloudiness and perhaps a few thunderstorms cool temperatures down. Friday morning (J