It might be just a number, but when it begins with a "9" in Minnesota, it's worth noting whenever it pops up on thermometers in the Twin Cities.
A reading of 92 degrees was reached shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported, for the metro area's first time in the 90s since a high of 91 on July 21, 2014.
And that means Tuesday also was the hottest day the Twin Cities has experienced since a high of 92 on Sept. 6, 2013. The record for Tuesday is 95, last seen in 1976.
It was hotter elsewhere. The National Weather Service says Appleton in western Minnesota peaked at 99 degrees Tuesday. Other highs include 97 in St. James and Ortonville and 95 in Fairmont and Luverne.
Following the heat, some thunderstorms were popping up across southwestern, western and central Minnesota. In western Stearns County, a wind gust of 64 mph was reported late Tuesday afternoon.
The metro will only dip its toe into the heat wave, however. The Weather Service is calling for highs back in the 70s for the rest of the week, with varying chances of rain and thunderstorms starting tonight and lasting all the way until Saturday.
Thursday offers the best chance of precipitation, and the rain could be heavy, the NWS reports.
This report includes material from the Associated Press.
Paul Walsh 612-673-4482
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