It’s October, but instead of cold temperatures and the threat of snow, Austin’s had abnormally warm weather.

Over the past week, temperatures have consistently been in the 80s, with beautiful, sunny skies most days. That’s because of a stagnant weather pattern hovering over the Upper Mississippi Valley, according to Jessica Brooks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“That warm air has kind of sat over us over the past week.” Brooks said. Because of all the warm air, any weather fronts that have come into the area haven’t had enough moisture to produce rain.

That warm weather has produced several days with temperatures pushing record-breaking numbers. Rochester experienced a record high 90 degrees Saturday, the highest it’s ever been for Oct. 9 and the latest time in the year Rochester’s had a 90-degree day.

Although forecasts call for a 30 percent chance of showers Tuesday, the sunny weather is largely expected to continue throughout the week, with temps either at the normal average or slightly above normal.

Alice Holst wished she could spend more time outside instead of working indoors at US Bank. “I want to play hooky and have my staff play hooky,” she said.

Dan Arnagost was thankful the weather was so nice. Arnagost was busy putting in underground cable along First Street NW. “It’s allowing us to get more work done,” he said.

Miguel Lopez had a busy day, coming from school and shopping to go home and get ready for work. He loved the weather, however. “Today is wonderful,” Lopez said.

Caleb Rumsey was busy pushing his daughter Kat and her friend Ayana Gravina on the swings at Mill Pond Park. Originally from Minnesota, he’s spent the past couple of winters in Iowa and Arizona, so he’s a little apprehensive about Minnesota winters again. He thought Monday was beautiful, too.
“It’s a lot better than that cold frost we had earlier, about a week ago,” Rumsey said.

Brian Rebsbach and Luis Mendez were hanging out at Mill Pond Park Monday, enjoying the weather at a park bench. They thought the weather was great.