It has been a pretty nice string of days recently in regards to our weather. We have had some warm days, but it hasn't been the long string of very hot and humid days that were common during June and July. We have had a mix of warm, but also cooler days.
Temperatures were warm on Tuesday out ahead of a cool-front that arrived by late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Highs on Tuesday were in the low to mid 80s across most of the state. A few upper 80s were reported across southern Minnesota. Alexandria had a high on Tuesday of 82 degrees. That was just a couple of degrees warmer than average.
By Wednesday morning, however, showers and thunderstorms arrived with a frontal boundary system. Alexandria picked-up .34" of an inch of rain. Once the front moved through much cooler and drier air settled-in across Greater Minnesota. Alexandria had a high on Wednesday of a very pleasant 73 degrees. It was actually pleasant to work outdoors in the yard.
Thursday was much the same with highs in the 70s and dew points in the 50s common. We were also able to soak up lots of sunshine as high pressure continued to influence our weather.
The weekend looks good as well as we will be between weather disturbances. Rain chances will hold-off until Tuesday as some of the nicest days of the summer will be found through Monday! It's about time we get some nice days instead of the heat and humidity don't you think?!
Next week is the Douglas County Fair and at this stage it appears we should be about average with temperatures, but with a chance of above normal precipitation according to the long range outlook. Hope to see you at the Fair!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mark Anthony, Chief Meteorologist
Weather history: On this date in 2007 a warm front arrives and pushes temperatures into the mid to upper 90s statewide.
Weather facts: Spain experienced a giant hailstorm in January of 2000 when giant ice chunks dropped from a seemingly cloudless sky. For 10 days, the country was plagued by hail that crushed car hoods and windshields. Many injuries were also reported from the large hail hitting them.
