LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) – Record and near record heat is expected Friday, but relief is on the way. Temperatures will be back in the 80s for the weekend.
Since the end of June, the Upper Midwest has experienced incredibly warm weather. We've seen 6 days at 90 degrees or warmer since June 30th and four records were broken on July 4th alone. In addition to the hot temperatures, dewpoints have been in the upper 60s and 70s leading to dangerously high heat indices between 105 and 115 degrees.
But the heat wave will end on Saturday. A cold front will move through the region Friday night and Saturday, bringing a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms and pushing temperatures back to more seasonal levels. We'll also see a substantial drop in dewpoints as drier northerly flow works in on the back side of the front. Pleasant weather is expected for the beginning of the work week as well with highs in the 80s and plentiful sunshine.
Unfortunately, the Coulee Region will experience one more day of oppressive heat on Friday. Highs are projected around 100 again today with heat indices between 100 and 115. Excessive heat warnings are in effect until 10pm.
You'll want to keep your water bottle handy, but do not despair! Relief is in sight! Statistically La Crosse only sees one 100 degree day every 2 years. With any luck, those statistics will hold true and we will not have to tackle triple digit heat again until 2014!
