Is Rochester Is More Tropical Than The Tropics?

Our current heat wave has certainly made things seem hot and steamy here in southeast Minnesota. But is our weather really more tropical than the tropics?

Well, it just might be. As of Thursday morning, according to weather.com, the temperature here in downtown Rochester was sitting at a balmy 81 degrees. The humidity was at 89% and the dew point was 76 degrees. My weather buddies once told me that dew point readings in the 60's were considered 'humid' and that anything in the 70's was thought of as 'tropical.' So, we're definitely experiencing tropical weather here in southeast Minnesota.

Now, contrast our conditions with those down in Havana, Cuba (which, given its location, could be considered as being in the 'tropics'). Down in the Raul Castro's neighborhood this morning, it's only 73 degrees, with 88% humidity and a dew point of only 70! Sure, they experienced a little light rain which might have cooled things down a bit, but those readings don't lie:

Rochester (at least right now) is more tropical than it is in the tropics!

I did a little checking last night on the Weather Channel app on my phone, and conditions were also similar to Rochester's in other tropical destinations like Aruba and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well. Of course, all those places have a lovely ocean breeze around to help cool things off-- or to take a dip in.

So even though we're used to it being hot during July in Minnesota, our current heat wave is hot and humid enough to call it tropical. Now, where's my pina colada?