Sunset after a hot day in Rochester,MN May 18th 2012

Many people were feeling the summer-like heat today as temperatures rose into the 90s for the 1st time of 2012. A hot dry air mass that was situated over the Western U.S over the past couple days moved east and brought in this hot, but dry air mass to our region. It was a hot crystal clear day and temperatures easily reached the lower to mid 90s across all communities around our area. This is 20 degrees above the average high of about 70.F. La Crosse NWS said the average 1st 90 for Rochester is June 13th so this is quite early. Even though it was hot the dewpoints were very low in the 40s and 50s which is unusual. In my experience you could normally expect sticky  dewpoints when temperatures near 90s are expected.

List of highs seen across the area Friday.

The highest temperature seen outside of the city of Rochester was Red Wing at 93.F. Overall the highest temperature seen was in the heating effects of Rochester where the high was 94.F.

We can expect this hot weather to last through tomorrow. With a chance at much needed rain late tomorrow night into Sunday