Monday's tropical heat wave ratchets down a bit

The sweat factor is going down.

The tropical heat that moved into Minnesota on Monday prompted the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning as the temperature hit a high of 92 in the Twin Cities along with dew points that left people feeling like it was 101. Things were steamier in St. Cloud, where the high temperature hit 94 but felt like 104.

But by Tuesday, the oppressive heat should be gone. The excessive heat warning should be lifted after 7 a.m.

"It will be humid but not as bad as [Monday]," said Chris Franks, National Weather Service meteorologist. "It will just be a good, old-fashioned, nice summer day."

Monday was only the second time the Twin Cities hit 90 degrees or more this season, which is below average, according to the National Weather Service. The Twin Cities usually racks up 14 days when it's 90 degrees or hotter.

The sweltering heat on Monday forced Minneapolis to close recreation centers that didn't have air conditioning and advise residents to cool off at the ones that did or find relief at the city's pools and beaches.

Hennepin County Medical Center officials said at least a half-dozen people sought medical help because the heat exacerbated illnesses.

Strong storms were expected to rock northern Minnesota Monday.

"Northern Minnesota is on the northern side of this hot, humid air mass that will produce a large amount of instability," Franks said. "It's a classic setup,"

The metro area likely would grazed by the storm, if at all, Franks said. A cooling trend the rest of the week will drop temperatures into the upper 70s and low 80s, Franks said. "It's going to be fairly pleasant."

Mary Lynn Smith