Mankato & Minnesota River Valley
McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Today’s Forecast:
☁
75°F
Current Temperature
Cloudy
⚠️
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 24 at 12:59PM CDT until July 26 at 12:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN (Expires: July 26, 2026 12:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 101 to
106 possible. Overnight lows in the 70s.
* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west
central Minnesota.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, from noon Saturday to noon CDT
Sunday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Sunday afternoon through
Sunday evening.
* IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat and high humidity events.
Instructions:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car
interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in
shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat
should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency! Call 9 1 1.
⚠️
Extreme Heat Watch
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 24 at 12:59PM CDT until July 26 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN (Expires: July 26, 2026 9:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 101 to
106 possible. Overnight lows in the 70s.
* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west
central Minnesota.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, from noon Saturday to noon CDT
Sunday. For the Extreme Heat Watch, from Sunday afternoon through
Sunday evening.
* IMPACTS...Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat and high humidity events.
Instructions:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car
interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in
shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat
should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency! Call 9 1 1.
This Afternoon:Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind around 10 mph.
Tonight:Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 10 mph.
Saturday:Mostly sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Today’s Report:
Biking
Not Recommended
28
/100
Not Recommended for biking. High near 79°F. Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
6/100
Paddling
Use Caution
49
/100
Use Caution for paddling. High near 79°F. Breezy winds (10 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
13/100
Hiking
Not Recommended
27
/100
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 79°F. Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
- Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
6/100
Fishing
Excellent
95
/100
Excellent for fishing. High near 79°F. Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
13/100
About Mankato & the Minnesota River Valley
Mankato & the Minnesota River Valley is a southern Minnesota outdoor base with river scenery, bike trails, parks, nearby waterfalls, paddling windows, and college-town stops.
Make the Most of a Mankato Day
Use dry periods for trails and valley overlooks, and check water levels before paddling plans.
Weather Tips for the Mankato & Minnesota River Valley Area
- River levels, wet trail sections, summer humidity, and open-area wind shape the day.
- Wind, waves, current, and lightning should guide water plans more than sunshine alone.
- After steady rain, favor paved paths, overlooks, visitor centers, or town-based plans until trails and launch areas recover.
- Check both temperature and wind, because Minnesota lake, river, prairie, and bluff destinations can feel very different from the nearest city forecast.
Plan Around the Conditions
Use the forecast to choose the best version of Mankato rather than forcing one itinerary. Match wind, rain timing, temperature, water conditions, and trail surfaces to the activity that gives your group the most comfortable day.