Memorial Day clocks in as earliest 100 degree day on record in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The Twin Cities hit 100 degrees Monday for the first time this season, the earliest Minnesota has seen triple-digit temperatures on record.

The previous record was May 31, 1934. Monday also represented the fifth consecutive 90-plus degree day in a row, another record for the month of May.  

Across the metro area Minnesotans of all stripes flocked to lakes, pools and air conditioned buildings, looking to beat the Memorial Day heat in any way they could.

The heat also caused the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to issue an air quality alert for the metro and parts of central and southeast Minnesota from 12 - 8 p.m. Monday. According to the agency, a mix of clear skies, hot temperatures and light winds led to an increase in ground level ozone and an unhealthy level of air quality. Additionally, the MPCA says, "pollutants will collect along the warm front that will be located just south of the Twin Cities and contribute to increased ozone."

For more information about the air quality alert, click here.