Hot, hot, hot.
As heat builds, metro counties offer cooling centers
Heat advisories have been issued for Sunday afternoon in Ramsey and Hennepin counties.
By STAFF REPORTS
May 27, 2018 at 12:36AM
That pretty much remains the forecast for the Memorial Day weekend in the Twin Cities metro area and most of Minnesota.
Hennepin and Ramsey counties, where heat advisories have been issued for 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, reminded residents that there are many designated cooling centers across the metro that will welcome those who may need relief. The centers include Salvation Army buildings, libraries, recreation centers and shopping malls.
"In a normal year, about 175 Americans die of complications from overheating," Hennepin County's website warns. "Young children, senior citizens and people who are sick or overweight are most vulnerable."
Saturday's high climbed to 93, not quite the May 26 record of 96, set in 1978 — but plenty warm, nonetheless.
Sunday will be even hotter, with a high near 97 and slightly more humidity, said Eric Ahasic, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. The record high for the date on Sunday in the Twin Cities is 95 degrees, set in 1969.
"Unless we get a lot of clouds that we weren't expecting … it looks like we'll probably break that," Ahasic said.
Monday will also dawn sunny and hot, with forecast temperatures climbing to 96 — potentially setting the record for the hottest Memorial Day in the Twin Cities.
The predicted highs this weekend are well above the average, which is usually in the lower 70s.
"Nineties in May are not that common," Ahasic said. "Usually we'll see one or two, but we're probably going to see five or six 90-degree days in a row here in the Twin Cities."
On the bright side, hot, rainless weather is perfect for many traditional Memorial Day weekend activities — fishing, boating, swimming, grilling and just relaxing in lawn chairs in the shade. Biking and hiking may be a little less popular than usual, given the heat and humidity.
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And of course, solemn trips to cemeteries are always in order — just take along sunscreen, lots of water and maybe a parasol or two.
Many swimming beaches and outdoor pools in Minneapolis and St. Paul are open, while several near school sites won't open until after classes end in early June. For a list of open Minneapolis pools, go to bit.ly/2LwekgF. Information about St. Paul pools can be found at bit.ly/2sjZVgJ.
Staff writers Christopher Snowbeck and Pamela Miller contributed to this report.
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STAFF REPORTS
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