Labor Day Weekend Forecast Calling for Record-Breaking Heat in Central U.S. 

Posted: September 2, 2023 7:14 am

Although the Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of the summer season, it will not feel like it for much of the central U.S. thanks to a late-season heat wave. Here is a look at this sizzling forecast to send off the summer season.

Daily Record High Temperatures Could Fall as Heat Builds in Central U.S.

Daily high records may be challenged this weekend in some parts of the nation’s heartland as the mercury soars over the Labor Day holiday. A heat dome currently building over this part of the country will be responsible for the unseasonably warm weather. Those headed out for college football games on Saturday will want to check their local forecast and pack accordingly.

Temperatures are forecast to hover in the 90s in most areas of the central U.S. with some communities potentially eclipsing the century mark. A number of cities will see records challenged over the next few days. This includes Minneapolis where the forecast is calling for a high of 101 degrees on Sunday under mostly sunny skies. Monday’s high will likely top out in the upper 90s with significant cooling not expected until the middle of the week.

Should the readings hit this level in the Twin Cities, records dating as far back as 1925 are in danger of falling. This weather pattern is quite the departure from the historical average of readings in the upper 70s over the early part of September.

It will not be quite as warm in Chicago, however, the Windy City will still experience unseasonably hot weather. You can expect temperatures to hover in the upper 80s and low 90s throughout the three-day weekend, pairing with sunny skies to send the real feel readings even higher.

These temperatures in Chicago could be high enough to bring down records that have been in place since the 1950s. This weekend could also mark the longest heat wave of the summer for this part of the western Great Lakes.

This mass of hot air will push to the east throughout the weekend. By Monday, a large area of the Northeast should be ready for temperatures in the 90s as the high pressure builds in this region. In fact, some of the major cities along the populated Interstate 95 corridor may see their first official heat wave of the summer.

When Will the Heat Abate?

The start of the new work week will usher in cooler temperatures for the northern Plains. For instance, the temperature will drop from a high of 90 degrees on Saturday to the mercury struggling to hit the 65-degree mark in places such as Custer, South Dakota.

This cooler air mass will shift to the south and the east by the middle of the week, bringing some degree of relief to the central Plains. However, this change in the weather will not be quite as noticeable as in the areas farther to the north.

The first full week of September is expected to be a hot one for the southern Plains. This is a continuation of the weather pattern that cities such as Dallas and Oklahoma City have been dealing with for nearly all of the summer.

Precautions to Take During Times of Heat

This is traditionally the time of the year when the temperatures begin to take a tumble. However, this will not be the case for this extended weekend for much of the central and southern U.S. Local weather experts are warning those headed outside for the weekend festivities to exercise caution, particularly if participating in fall sports such as football.

Even spectators will want to be diligent about drinking water and wearing plenty of sunscreen. Temperatures on the gridiron field will soar higher than the air temperature, making it important to be mindful of the signs of heat-related illness.

Did you find this content useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.

Recent Posts