SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA — A nasty heat ridge is set to establish itself over the heart of the Grain Belt next week, with forecasters warning it could become the strongest ridge this far north that has ever been observed. The setup is expected to bring several consecutive nights with lows staying above 75 degrees and several days with highs exceeding 100 degrees.
Ridge Could Set Historic Marks for Northern Placement
Meteorologists are emphasizing the unusual nature of this setup, noting the ridge’s expected strength and northern positioning could make it one of the most extreme heat events ever recorded this far north in the Grain Belt. Temperature maps show widespread readings well into the upper 90s and low 100s across a broad swath of the Northern Plains, with pockets reaching 101 degrees.
The core of the intense heat is shown concentrated across the Dakotas and into Nebraska and Minnesota, with surrounding areas also seeing temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s as the ridge builds in.
Overnight Lows Expected to Stay Unusually Warm
Beyond the daytime heat, forecasters are highlighting the overnight lows as a particularly concerning aspect of this setup, with several nights in a row expected to stay above 75 degrees. This lack of overnight cooling can compound heat stress, as bodies and buildings get little relief before the next day’s heat begins building again.
This combination of extreme daytime highs and unusually warm overnight lows reflects the strength of the ridge and its ability to trap heat both day and night across the region.
Storm Clusters Possible As Ridge Eventually Retreats
Forecasters note that as the heat ridge eventually breaks down and retreats, the region should watch for the threat of a few nasty storm clusters developing. This is a common pattern following prolonged heat domes, as the atmosphere often becomes highly unstable once the ridge weakens, setting the stage for stronger storm systems…