Duluth, MN
Here we are in mid August, the dog days of summer and go figure, it’s still hot and humid! Take a look at the beautiful webcam shot from earlier today in Duluth, MN on the western tip of Lake Superior, the coldest and deepest of all the Great Lakes. Keep in mind that the average annual temperature of Lake Superior is 40°F!! Duluth, MN could warm to near 90° and within striking distance of today’s record high of 93°F set in 1961.
Hot Dome Friday
The image below shows the big bubble of heat affecting the western half of the country, which is actually starting to nose into the Midwest today. Temperatures across the eastern half of the country will actually warm quite a bit from earlier this week as well, so hope you were able to enjoy the brief break in the heat and humidity!
Highs Above Average
High temperatures on Friday will be nearly 5° to 15° to above average across parts of the High Plains and Upper Midwest and parts of the Southwest. These are areas where highs could reach record levels today!
Highs Today
The map below looks very much like summer! Note how widespread the 90s and 100s are across the western half of the country and also note that a few locations in the Desert Southwest could see highs near 110° to 115°!! Death Valley, CA is forecast to see highs exceeding 115° both Saturday and Sunday, thus prompting Excessive Heat Warnings through early next week.
Record Highs Today
Take a look at all the record to near record highs that are possible today. Note that even Williston, ND could see a record high in the triple digits!!
Hot Dome Saturday
A fairly vigorous area of low pressure will help to push some of this excessive heat farther northeast into the Upper Midwest on Saturday. Daytime highs and humidity values could make it feel more like near 100° in a few spots!
Highs From Average Saturday
Highs on Saturday will be nearly 10° to 15° above average across much of the Midwest. Also note that highs across the Desert Southwest will still be well above average once again.
Highs Saturday
Highs in the low to mid 90s will be suring into the Midwest on Saturday with near record highs once again for some locations across the Upper Midwest and Desert Southwest. Note that temperatures over the weekend will be on the rise across the eastern half of the U.S. as the heat oozes east.
Record Potential Saturday
Hot, hot, hot! Highs on Saturday for locations in the Southwest could reach records for places like Phoenix, Tuscon and Yuma, which is pretty impressive considering that they have to get into the 110s! Interestingly, Grand Forks, ND and International Falls, MN (the official ice box of the nation) will be reaching near record highs with low to mid possible.
Record Potential Sunday
Intense heat slides even farther east on Sunday with records possible for locations in Michigan including Aplena and Sault Ste. Marie!
6 to 10 Day Temperature Outlook
According to NOAA’s CPC, the 6 to 10 day temperature outlook suggests well above average temperatures along the Eastern Seaboard as the same bubble of heat pushes east. The good news is that there appears to be another brief break in the heat from August 19th – 23rd across the High Plains post cold front. However, the Desert Southwest could still be dealing with above average temperatures through much of next week.
Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend ahead! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX and check out your latest forecast at: www.AerisWeather.com