Hot start to July: The first few days of July have averaged 4°F to 7°F above normal in most places around the state. Observers in 9 counties have reported afternoon highs of 90°F or higher so far. In addition, dew points have climbed into the 70s F, producing stressful Heat Index Values over 100°F. The National Weather Service has already had to issue some Heat Advisories for portions of Minnesota. NOAA outlook models continue to favor warmer than normal temperatures across Minnesota for much of the month of July, so I suspect that there will be more Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings issued during the month. July 4th Climatology: The 4th of July holiday in Minnesota is usually hot with a chance for showers and thunderstorms. There have even been significant derechos (straight-line thunderstorm winds) that have caused damage in the state, most notably in 1977, 1983, and 1995. Speaking of thunderstorms, an intense one brought nearly 10 inches of rain of Milan (Chippe...
Preliminary Climate Summary for June of 2025: Even with the above normal temperatures forecasted for the final weekend in June, the average monthly temperature around the state will range from a modest 1°F to 2°F above normal because about half of the days brought cooler than normal temperatures to most places. Within the state climate station network there were 56 daily record high maximum temperatures reported, including 100°F at Theilman (Wabasha County) and 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) last weekend. In fact, last weekend brought Heat Index Values ranging from 100°F to 110°F to many parts of the state. Extremes for the month ranged from 29°F at Seagull Lake (Cook County) on the 14th to 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) on the 22nd. Except for some parts of northwestern and north-central Minnesota, the vast majority of Minnesota climate stations reported above normal rainfall for the month. Rains were both persistent, occurring on half or more of the days in June, and heavy, wi...