Autumn has been put on pause across much of the Midwest, where an unusual October heatwave is set to shatter temperature records.
Forecasters warn that the northern Plains and Upper Midwest will see summer-like conditions in the coming days, with Minneapolis expected to soar to 90°F this weekend. Temperatures across the region could run 25 to 30 degrees above average on Friday and Saturday. Highs in the 80s will be widespread from South Dakota to Illinois, with some cities likely reaching the low to mid-90s, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported.
“Despite the calendar saying it’s October, it will feel far more like summer than fall in the days ahead,” the NWS noted in its short-range outlook.
Dozens of daily records may fall by the weekend in cities such as Minneapolis, Bismarck (North Dakota), Rapid City (South Dakota), Madison (Wisconsin), and Moline (Illinois). For perspective, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has only recorded October temperatures at or above 90°F three times since 1872.
Scientists have long linked such extremes to climate change. Studies show that heatwaves are becoming both more frequent and more intense, while lasting longer as global temperatures rise.
This current spell of heat is fueled by a persistent ridge of high pressure parked over the Plains and Midwest. When these systems stall, they trap warm air, causing temperatures to remain elevated for days.
