Very hot temperatures and extreame heat index values well into the 100s seen today. Dewpoints in the lower 80s reported.

Banana plant July 22nd 2012

Today was not about the temperatures. It was all about the humidity! Dewpoints across parts of the area soared into the upper 70s to lower 80s across the region. The highest dewpoint in the area came from Dodge Center at 81.F, This type of dewpoint is not common for Minnesota, you would more expect to find dewpoints of this magnitude in Florida or a tropical area! The dewpoints as high as they were today made the heat index values, or what it feels like were much warmer then actual air temperatures 100 to 105.F was a common heat index. Air temperatures outside of the Rochester residential areas ranged from 91.F to 95.F in the north for Cannon Falls, Red Wing and Winona where cloud cover was not as wide spread. Highs from 88.F to 90.F were seen across the south where clouds held on the longest. Our area may be consider “cool” compared to what areas just south of our local area dealt. Areas just south of the boarder into Iowa which is under the full influence of this record breaking airmass has highs in the100s today. Mason City,IA topped out at 99.F and Waterloo topped out at 103.F. Iowa’s state capital had a record high of 105.F today.

This year has been a hot year for Southern Minnesota. I thought it would be nice to include a few updates as far as where we are for number of 90 degree days. I will include data for my station as well as the official airport.

2012 “hot temperatures” Data- So far

West Downtown-My Station

Number of 90 degree days 29

Number of 100 degree days 2

Highest Daytime High 102.F July 6th

Rochester Airport

Number of 90.F degree days 15

Number of 100 degree days 0

Highest Temperature 96.F July 6th

Local highs/highest heat index values.

Official stations are marked with ( * ) Highs in the local area ranged from 88.F in the more cooler cloud covered areas of Mower County to 95.F at Winona. The highest heat index was 105.F at Dodge Center. In the Rochester Metro heat island effected stations near Downtown has highs of 96.F. However as you move away from Downtown areas into the outer suburban areas, highs here were closer the lower 90s.