Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Thermometers reach 80 degrees for first time in Twin Cities

Temps hit 80 Sunday in St. Cloud, Eau Claire, Wis.

Sunday was remarkably warm as the mercury soared into the 80s for the first time in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Above-average temperatures will continue this week with abundant sunshine. However, red flag warnings remain in effect for parts of northwestern Minnesota due to elevated fire risk.

First 80-degree reading

Sunday brought the first 80-degree day of the year for the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and Eau Claire, Wis., as temperatures soared under clear, sunny skies.

The average first 80-degree day in the Twin Cities typically falls on May 3, so this year’s warmup arrived almost right on schedule.

80 degree day statistics
80-degree day statistics
National Weather Service

Another day of unseasonably warm weather is expected Monday, with highs reaching the upper 70s to low 80s under cloudless skies.

Highs for Monday
Highs for Monday
National Weather Service

Our current weather pattern, along with forecast models, suggests that warmer-than-average temperatures will continue throughout the month of May.

Monthly temperature outlook
Monthly temperature outlook
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center

Red flag warning

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for eight counties in northwest Minnesota from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., because of high winds and low relative humidity. The warning covers Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties.

Red flag warning
Red flag warning
National Weather Service

The fire danger map from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources highlights a high risk of wildfires across northwestern Minnesota. Areas that haven’t had adequate time to green up will have plenty of fuel for those wildfires.

Fire danger map
Fire danger map
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Relative humidity levels are expected to drop into the teens and low 20s across parts of northwestern Minnesota, prompting the red flag warning.

Relative humidity percentages for Monday
Relative humidity percentages for Monday
NOAA, via College of DuPage weather lab
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