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Record Warmth and Record Low Humidity

Record Warmth and Record Low Humidity: The warm start to the month of May which I wrote about last week really ramped up even more this week as temperatures around the state average 12°F to 20°F above normal. Afternoon high temperatures in the 90s F were quite common. Within the Minnesota climate station network, there were many new high daily maximum temperature records set over May 11 to May 14. On May 11th at least 20 climate stations reported record high temperatures, including 96°F at International Falls and Baudette. On May 12th at least 40 climate stations reported record high temperatures, including 94°F at Granite Falls. On May 13th at least 15 climate stations reported record high temperatures, including 93°F at Thief River Falls. On May 14thth at least 10 climate stations reported record high temperatures, including 93°F at Red Lake Falls. International Falls reported record high maximum temperatures of 90°F or greater on four consecutive days, May 11-14. Minnesota’s geo...
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Very Warm Start to May

Very Warm Start to May: The month of May has started very warm across Minnesota, with temperatures averaging 4°F to 7°F above normal. Daytime high temperatures in the 80s F were reported on May 4, May 5, and May 6 from several areas of the state, the first time such temperatures have been measured since late last October. Even International Falls (the Nation’s Icebox0 reported back-to-back days in the 80s F over May 4-5. A few locations reported some record-setting high daily maximum temperatures this week. Some examples: On May 4th a new daily record high temperature was reported from Elk River with 81°F and from Baudette with 85°F. On May 5th Kabetogama reported a record high temperature of 80°F. On May 6th Grand Marais airport reported a record high of 81°F. Despite the warm start to May, the morning of May 8th this week brought frost to many northern Minnesota communities. Portions of St Louis, Koochiching, and Lake Counties reported morning low temperatures ranging from 26°F ...
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Climate Summary for April of 2025

Climate Summary for April of 2025: Average monthly temperature in April was from 1 to 3°F warmer than normal in many places around the state, but near normal to 1°F below in some northern Minnesota communities. Extremes for the month ranged from 83°F at Winnebago (Faribault County) and Sherburn (Martin County) on the 18th to -1°F at Gunflint Lake on the 9th. Most areas of the state reported above normal precipitation during the month. The wettest areas of the state were generally in the northeast where observer reports averaged about 3.5 inches for the month, and in the southeast, where observer reports averaged about 4.5 inches for the month. Many climate stations reported between 2.5 and 3.5 inches of precipitation for the month, while Houston and Preston in southeastern Minnesota reported over 6 inches. In fact, over 50 new daily precipitation records were set during the month within the Minnesota climate station network, including 2.26 inches at La Crescent on the 21st and 2.5...
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Despite high winds and periodic rains, crop planting making good progress

Despite high winds and periodic rains, crop planting making good progress: Afternoon 4” depth soil temperatures have averaged in the low to mid 50s F this week across much of the southern half of Minnesota. This is ideal for corn planting which is making excellent progress this week. Up north, the soil temperatures are in the mid to upper 40s F and farmers are making good progress on spring wheat and sugar beet planting. Gardening centers have been stocking up on seasonal supplies and report business has picked up this past week as well. Weather should continue to be favorable for the agricultural planting season, with temperatures expected to be above normal for the balance of April and into the first weeks of May. Farmers will have to work around rain showers, but on the other hand, they will be welcome in most places to add to soil moisture recharge. The ice went out on Loon Lake in St Louis County on Wednesday, April 23 this week and I suspect a number of northern lakes will l...
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Weather of April so far being kind to agriculture

Weather of April so far being kind to agriculture: Most areas of northern Minnesota continue to show cooler than normal average temperature through the first 17 days of the month, as well as below normal precipitation, while southern parts of the state are showing near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. However, the forecasts for the balance of April call for above normal temperatures and more frequent changes for rain on a statewide basis, so the month is likely to balance out to be warmer than normal and wetter than normal for most of us. Average shallow soil temperatures (4-inch depth) have climbed into the upper 40s to low 50s F, and according to USDA reports over 70 of Minnesota shows adequate to surplus topsoil moisture. In this context, Minnesota farmers have been very active this week planting oats, wheat, and even corn. With the outlook for the rest of the month favoring warmer than normal temperatures (60s and 70s F), as well as on again, off again rain s...
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