A large dome of high pressure that was centered across the mid section of the nation the week of July 18th, caused temperatures to rise into the 80s and 90s across the state. These temperatures combined with very high dew points in the mid to upper 70s, created heat indices between 100-115 degrees during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and into Friday afternoon, July 22nd over portions of central and southern Minnesota.
The highest heat indices were initially across west central and into parts of east central Minnesota on Wednesday, July 20th. This is where a frontal boundary allowed for dew points to pool and led to heat indices above 105 degrees for several hours.
As the front sagged southward, the pooled dew points and associated higher heat indices also sagged southward across southern Minnesota. Along the Iowa border, initially heat indices were much lower on Wednesday, but by Friday, these heat indices rose above 105 degrees as the front sagged to the south.
The highest heat indices occurred between 12 noon and 7 pm. However, even the overnight temperatures only fell into the upper 70s to lower 80s, creating dangerous readings for those who did not have air conditioning or were caught out in the elements.
The following are recorded highest heat indices in this three day period;
Near Savage 120 F
Near Eagan 118 F
Near Lake City 118 F
Faribault 117 F
Near Bloomington 117 F
New Prague 116 F
Near Inver Grove Heights 116 F
East of Jordan 116 F
St. Paul 116 F
Farmington 115 F
Redwood Falls 115 F
Madelia  114 F
South of Red Wing 114 F
Minnesota Lake 114 F
Morton 114 F
Lakeville 113 F
Morristown 113 F
West of Clara City 113 F.

Excessive Heat in FREEBORN, MINNESOTA
From 22-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Freeborn County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Friday, July 22nd. The highest heat indices that was measured was 109 degrees.

Excessive Heat in CHISAGO, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Chisago County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 106 degrees.

Excessive Heat in SCOTT, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Scott County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 120 degrees.

Excessive Heat in ANOKA, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Anoka County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 115 degrees.

Excessive Heat in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Lac Qui Parle County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 110 degrees.

Excessive Heat in MEEKER, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Meeker County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 111 degrees.

Excessive Heat in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Stevens County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 108 degrees.

Excessive Heat in WATONWAN, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Watonwan County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 114 degrees.

Excessive Heat in REDWOOD, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Redwood County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 115 degrees.

Excessive Heat in DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Dakota County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 120 degrees.

Excessive Heat in SHERBURNE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Sherburne County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 111 degrees.

Excessive Heat in BLUE EARTH, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Blue Earth County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 114 degrees.

Excessive Heat in LE SUEUR, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Le Sueur County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 116 degrees.

Excessive Heat in NICOLLET, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Nicollet County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 112 degrees.

Excessive Heat in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Swift County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 108 degrees.

Excessive Heat in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Wright County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 110 degrees.

Excessive Heat in HENNEPIN, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Hennepin County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 117 degrees.

Excessive Heat in FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA
From 22-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Faribault County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Friday, July 22nd. The highest heat indices that was measured was 108 degrees.

Excessive Heat in RENVILLE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Renville County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 113 degrees.

Excessive Heat in SIBLEY, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Sibley County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 112 degrees.

Excessive Heat in BROWN, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Brown County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 111 degrees.

Excessive Heat in MARTIN, MINNESOTA
From 22-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Martin County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Friday, July 22nd. The highest heat indices that was measured was 109 degrees.

Excessive Heat in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Pope County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 108 degrees.

Excessive Heat in WASECA, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Waseca County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Thursday, July 21th, and again Friday afternoon July 22nd. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 22nd, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 112 degrees.

Excessive Heat in YELLOW MEDICINE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Yellow Medicine County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 110 degrees.

Excessive Heat in ISANTI, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Isanti County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 107 degrees.

Excessive Heat in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Chippewa County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 113 degrees.

Excessive Heat in GOODHUE, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Goodhue County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Thursday, July 21th, and again Friday afternoon July 22nd. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 22nd, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 118 degrees.

Excessive Heat in RICE, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Rice County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Thursday, July 21th, and again Friday afternoon July 22nd. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 22nd, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 117 degrees.

Excessive Heat in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 20-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Stearns County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th. The highest heat indices that was measured was 111 degrees.

Excessive Heat in CARVER, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Carver County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index was 110 degrees.

Excessive Heat in KANDIYOHI, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Kandiyohi County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 114 degrees.

Excessive Heat in MCLEOD, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across McLeod County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 113 degrees.

Excessive Heat in STEELE, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 22-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Steele County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Thursday, July 21th, and again Friday afternoon July 22nd. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 22nd, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 111 degrees.

Excessive Heat in WASHINGTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Washington County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 112 degrees.

Excessive Heat in RAMSEY, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUL-16 13:00:00 to 21-JUL-16 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several surface observations across Ramsey County measured heat indices over 105 degrees for several hours during the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th, and again Thursday afternoon July 21st. Temperatures only managed to fall into the mid to upper 70s during the morning of July 21st, and rebounded into the 80s and 90s once again by the afternoon. The highest heat index value was 116 degrees.