Wildfire haze is back; high 90s for first weekend of the fair

Mother Nature couldn’t have timed this any better. Opening weekend of the Minnesota State Fair promises to be hot, potentially stinking hot. ECMWF (European model) predicts 96 on Sunday with a heat index over 100 by afternoon. We’ll see. Still early for specifics, but if you like your fairs hot and sticky you’re in luck.

A steady fire hose of moisture has kept us cooler this summer. We’ve had only six days of 90-plus in the Twin Cities (the average for an entire summer is 15). Based on “cooling degree days,” we’ve spent roughly 13% less cooling homes and offices since June 1. We may be about to make up for lost time.

A smoky haze was noticeable Sunday, and more episodes of smoke (and poor air quality) are likely this week from wildfires burning across the western U.S. and Canada.

A mostly dry week is shaping up. Disclaimer: A lonely storm may bubble up Tuesday and again Thursday night before a hot front sweeps into Minnesota this weekend. Sunday will be the hotter day.

My lemonade-on-a-stick booth will be ready!