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Climate Summary for December of 2025

Climate Summary for December of 2025: The year 2025 concluded with a colder than normal December. Most climate observers reported a mean monthly temperature that was 2°F to 5°F cooler than normal. Temperature extremes for the month were 55°F at Brainerd on the 16th to -28°F at Itasca State Park on the 19th. There were numerous nights of subzero temperatures, mostly in central and northern counties, as well as several days with Wind Chill values from -25°F to -45°F. In fact, with all the subzero temperature readings, Minnesota reported the coldest temperature in the 48 contiguous states on 10 days during the month. With a statewide average monthly temperature of 13.1°F, it was the coldest December since 2013. Precipitation was mixed during the month, with many climate stations reporting above normal values, and many reporting below normal values. The statewide average was about 1 inch, but a large number of climate stations reported over 1.50 inches of precipitation, and some reported o...
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Some notes on MN climate extremes in 2025

Some notes on MN climate extremes in 2025: It is the time of year to look back 12 months and be reminded of what our Minnesota climate produced for us to cope with. A few notes: Highest maximum temperature: 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) on June 22nd, Granite Falls and Benson also reported 100°F that day. Lowest minimum temperature: -42°F at Kabetogama (St Louis County) and at Seagull Lake (Cook County) on January 10th. Wettest single day: 6.86 inches of rain at Raymond (Chippewa County) on June 13th; both Grand Meadow and Waseca reported over 6 inches of rain on August 17th. Highest total precipitation for the year: 44 inches at Waseca; Austin reported 43.02 inches. Lowest total precipitation for the year: 17.38 inches at Park Rapids (Hubbard County). Normal annual precipitation there is about 23.85 inches. Many other north-central and northeastern areas of the state reported well below normal precipitation for the year. Wettest month in 2025: 5.16 inches statewide average rainf...
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Warmth, then rain, then wind

Warmth, then rain, then wind: December continues to track cooler than normal across Minnesota, with most climate stations reporting an average temperature so far that is 6°F to 10°F below normal. Many northern communities have already reported 10-12 nights of subzero temperatures, while even southern climate stations have reported 5-6 subzero nights. Perhaps the most significant weather anomalies across Minnesota this past week were the significant warm up on December 16 and 17, followed by the rains early on December 18th, and the extremely high winds that followed. Following what had been consistently cooler than normal temperatures through the first two weeks of the month, December 16 and 17 brought temperatures that were 15°F to 20°F warmer than normal over much of the state. Daytime temperatures soared into the40s F and even some 50s F on those days. Some climate stations reported setting new record high daily maximum temperatures. Among these reports were: December 16th: 47°F at ...
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December snows and cold continue

December snows and cold continue: Through nearly the first two weeks of the month, many climate stations have reported measurable snowfall on 5 or 6 days. Snowfall amounts so far for the month typically range from 3 to 8 inches, but there are a number of observers who have reported over 12 inches, including Litchfield, Ottertail, and St Joseph. Despite the frequency of snowfalls so far, very few if any climate stations have reported any record-setting daily amounts. Precipitation-wise (liquid water from melted snow), most observers report from 0.30 inches to 0.90 inches so far this month. A few climate observers have measured over 1 inch. Soils are pretty well frozen around the state, so the snow is remaining on the surface and accumulating. Most outlook models favor more snowfall accumulating through at least Christmas Day. Temperatures continue the sharp trend below normal this month, as most climate stations report a average monthly temperature that is 7°F 10 12°F below normal. Some...
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November Warmer Than Normal, December to Remain Cold

November 2025 climate summary: Despite the cold and snowy end to the month of November, average monthly temperatures across Minnesota were 3°F to 5°F above normal. On a statewide basis November of 2025 was the 10th warmest on record since 1895. Within the state climate network, there were 86 reports of record high daily maximum temperatures during the month. Over November 14th and 15th dozens of communities reported highs in the 70s F. There were also 18 reports of record daily warm minimum temperatures during the month, including 46°F at Lamberton (Redwood County) on the 14th. Precipitation for November was below normal in most all areas of the state. The statewide average precipitation was less than 1 inch. The northeastern and southeastern counties received the most precipitation, with some climate stations in those areas reporting over 1.50 inches. Northwestern Minnesota was the driest area during the month, with many climate stations reported less than half an inch of precipitatio...
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