Record highs and strong winds prevail across the region

If you stepped outside at all across the listening area today, you may have felt a sense of déjà vu, as it feels more like July or August than October. Strong, southerly winds have been pumping warm air into the region, helping bring record warmth

So far today, we’ve seen new preliminary record high temps for the date set at the following locations:

• Bemidji at 86 (old record: 74 in 2010 and 2020)

• Park Rapids at 88 (old record: 82 in 2024)

• Brainerd at 89 (old record: 85 in 1928)

• Alexandria at 90 (old record 83 in 2024)

• St. Cloud at 90 (old record 88 in 1928)

• Willmar at 91 (84 in 2010)

• Mankato at 89 (old record: 84 in 1974)

• Worthington at 88 (old record: 81 in 1980, 2010, 2020, 2024)

• Marshall at 90 (old record: 88 in 2020)

• Sioux Falls at 90 (old record: 88 in 1928)

• Fargo at 89 (old record: 86 in 1955 and 2003)

And record highs have were tied today in the Twin Cities with 90 degrees (record set in 1928) and La Crosse at 86 degrees (record set in 1928)

The last time we officially reach 90 degrees in the Twin Cities was back on Sept. 3, which is also the last time that St. Cloud reached the 90 degree mark.

Increased fire risk continues

The warm, dry conditions, along with strong, gusty winds, are creating an elevated risk of fire weather across parts of the state. Although red flag warnings have not been issued for Minnesota—as relative humidity values have not dropped to 25 percent or below—this is still something to be cautious of, especially for folks planning any outdoor burning, which should be avoided. Extra caution is also advised if using equipment in dry crops, as any fires that do ignite can spread rapidly.

More seasonable by midweek with chance of rain later in the week

We’ll see cooler air and increasing clouds spread into northwestern Minnesota Sunday, while southern and southeastern parts of the state will remain very warm. Light rain becomes possible across northern and western Minnesota Sunday into Monday.

As the front crosses the remainder of Minnesota Monday, it will bring scattered light rain Monday into Tuesday—along with a return to seasonable temperatures—though southeastern Minnesota could remain warm much of the day. The next chance for significant rainfall will be on Thursday, when much of the state, with most areas forecast to receive a quarter to half inch of precipitation.