The Twin Cities is about to get reacquainted with toastier weather this weekend, with temperatures forecast to climb into the 90s on Saturday and Sunday amid increased humidity.
The latest prognostication Wednesday from the National Weather Service (NWS) envisions uncomfortable levels of humidity arriving Thursday and sticking around while the temperature builds Friday toward 90 degrees and climbs from there.
High temperatures approaching the mid-90s on Saturday and the low 90s on Sunday are expected to combine with the high humidity to send the "feels like" reading toward 100 degrees at various times, the NWS said.
Sunny skies and light winds will only add to the summertime sizzle during what the NWS forecast has christened "the first heat wave of the season."
With high temperatures and humid weather comes increased demand for electricity to keep buildings comfortably cool.
Xcel Energy, a major power provider in the Twin Cities and beyond, said it's keeping tabs on the weather and will be ready for any surge in demand that might overwhelm supply.
"We'll monitor our system and respond appropriately to any outages," said Xcel spokesman Matt Lindstrom.
Lindstrom said that his utility's customers can take several steps to keep electricity humming in hot and clammy conditions:
Install a programmable thermostat and set the temperature based on whether someone is home.
Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air.
Open interior doors to improve circulation of cool air.
Use a fan to draw in cool nighttime air and push out hot air during the day.
Change air conditioning filters.
Close drapes and blinds during the hottest times of the day.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
