Minnesotans could experience real summer heat one last time

MINNEAPOLIS — Boating, swimming and paddling are great ways to spend a summer day in Minnesota.

“If I know it’s going to be a hot weekend, I look for ways to get near a pool or lake and maybe float on a nearby stream or river,” says Madeline Little of Minneapolis.

Minnesotans didn’t have to worry too much about the heat. We only had six days with temperatures above 90 degrees – a stark contrast to the 27 days last year through August.

“I think I like it better because it’s obviously quite uncomfortable when it’s over 90 degrees,” said Vanessa Schaefer. “And yes, I can do more things.”
So much for the dog days of summer, but Willow and her owner Allyssa Bernett prefer these summer temperatures.

“I have to live with these temperatures,” Bernett said. “I mean, it’s so much more comfortable, especially for the dogs and animals. You feel like you want to go outside more, and it’s warm enough to still enjoy a lot of summer activities.”

If the 90s are more your speed, maybe we still have a chance this weekend.

“Well, I happen to be going to a lake this weekend, so I’ll put up with the 90-degree heat as long as I have a body of water to hang out in,” Bernett said.

Summer reaches 90 degrees again before September arrives.

“Honestly, it feels better at the end of the summer,” said Minneapolis resident Sam Scott. “So I’m kind of looking forward to having one more on the last weekend and going swimming and stuff, but then I’ll be ready for the fall weather.”

For all of you counting: There are still eleven days until the meteorological onset of autumn.

“Oh yeah, I can’t believe it’s almost September already,” Little said. “I feel like summer is almost over, and I’m kind of losing it faster than I’d like. So I’ve definitely been trying to spend more time outside and soak up what’s left of summer.”

Last year, the first five days of September were over 32 degrees. So after this weekend, we weren’t completely unlucky.