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 ...
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...