Ice rinks, warming houses close as Bemidji shatters high temperature mark
Record high temperatures today have prompted Bemidji Parks and Recreation to close its outdoor ice rinks and warming houses in City Park and Nymore.
A news release released this afternoon said the rinks will re-open when the weather cooperates - "hopefully within a week."
Two other casualties of the warm weather: Skate Under the Stars, slated for Friday, and the opening of Monday night broomball, which was scheduled to start next week. Those activities are postponed until further notice.
The temperature peaked at 52 degrees at 2:01 p.m., shattering the record of 44 degrees set in 1984.
Today's warm weather follows a trend as the thermometer reached 41 in mid-afternoon on Wednesday.
Records highs were expected today around the region, including Duluth and Fargo, with temps reaching into the 60s in southern Minnesota.
The weather service forecasts a continued mild streak in Bemidji.
A high temperature for Friday is expected around 33 degrees, while the weekend should bring temperatures between 26 and 30 on Saturday and Sunday.
The warm trend will continue with highs near 37 on Monday and 36 on Tuesday before temperatures dip next Wednesday.