Highest Humidity in 60 Years, Dew Point to Blame

It's hotter than heck out there. That much we know. But it's also more humid than it's been in more than 60 years. To understand why it feels just so unbearable outside, one has to understand the dew point. 

According to the National Weather Service, the dew point (in its most simple terms) is the measure of how humid it feels outside. The dew point is also a good measure of how much moisture is available for thunderstorms.

As local meteorologist Paul Douglas pointed out in his recent blog, the Twin Cities has seen only eight hours of 80-degree dew points since 1945. 

Until today. 

Tuesday's dew point in Minnetonka hit a new high: 86-degrees, according to the NWS.

Minnetonka is currently under an excessive heat watch. The NWS is anticipating heat indicies to exceed 115 degrees through tomorrow. 

The prolonged heat, the high humidity and high temperatures are highly dangerous and can cause heat related illnesses. NWS makes the following suggestion to avoid heat related stress and illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Stay in an air conditioned room;
• Stay out of the sun;
• Check up on neighbors and relatives to ensure their safety.

To get the latest information on weather conditions and advisories, go to weather.gov and in the search box on the upper-left-hand side of the page, type in Minnetonka, MN.