The fall vibes are on hold across much of the Midwest this week.
An unusual October heat wave is predicted to bring unprecedented temperatures to the northern Plains and Upper Midwest soon, with predictions suggesting Minneapolis might hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures in this region could soar up to 30 degrees above average on Friday and Saturday. It is anticipated that temperatures surpassing 80 degrees will be widespread from South Dakota to Illinois, with some areas potentially reaching the low to mid-90s, as reported by the National Weather Service.
“Even though the calendar marks October, the upcoming days will certainly feel much more like summer than fall,” the weather service mentioned Thursday in its short-term forecast.
Several new daily temperature records could potentially be set from Friday through the weekend, in locations including Minneapolis; Bismarck, North Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; Madison, Wisconsin; and Moline, Illinois.
This region seldom experiences summer-like weather during this season. For example, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has surpassed 90 degrees in October only three times on record, according to data from the National Weather Service, which has been recording temperatures since 1872.
Research indicates that heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These extreme heat conditions are also projected to extend in duration as the planet continues to warm.
This week’s unusual warmth is caused by a ridge of high pressure that remains parked over the Plains and Midwest, according to the National Weather Service. When these areas of high pressure stall over land, they tend to trap hot air and drive up temperatures for days on end.
