1980: Unprecedented heat wave hits Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, multiple cities record 100-degree highs.

On April 21, 1980, an unprecedented heat wave hit the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, with Fargo, Grand Forks, and Waterloo, Iowa, tying for the national high at 100 degrees. The winter had been mild and spring came early that year, causing a large high pressure area to build across the region. This resulted in widespread downward motion and the air near the ground heating by compression, leading to numerous record highs.

April 21, 2024
6 Articles