Follow heat wave across the US in NOAA animation

Maggie Koerth 2:29 pm Tue Jul 19, 2011

Minnesota is currently in the midst of (another) heat wave, with heat indexes pushing above 100 for several days in a row. This is, to say the least, not normal for us. On MPR this afternoon, meteorologist Paul Huttner said this is actually the worst heat wave Minnesota has experienced since people started keeping records*. Or, to quote my friend Jim, "I finally understand what that Nelly song was all about."

Wondering what's going to happen in the Midwest over the next couple of days? The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has put together an animation showing how the current heat wave spread, and where it's going next. Turns out, we can all blame Texas for this.**

*I have now installed my window unit air conditioners. You win, weather. I give up.

**That's a joke.

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