Preliminary Climate Summary for November 2020: In contrast to October, this November was very much warmer than normal. Most climate stations report an average monthly temperature that ranges from 4 to 6°F above normal. This means that November of 2020 will likely rank among the top 7 warmest in Minnesota history back to 1895. The week of November 3-9 was the warmest week in November history here. Within the state climate observation network over 200 daily record maximum temperatures were recorded, along with over 120 record warm daily minimum temperatures. For the first time in history Minnesota recorded 4 days during November when the daily maximum temperature reached 80°F or greater. On the 4th, the 5th, and the 7th, new all-time state temperature records were set with readings of 84°F, 82°F, and 80°F. Extremes for the month ranged from 84°F at Granit Falls (Yellow Medicine County) on the 4th to -2°F at Camp Norris (Lake of the Woods County) on the 13th. Precipitation for the mon
A Brief Look at Year-to-Date Climate Statistics: The recent moderation in temperature looks to prevail through the Thanksgiving holiday until the end of the month. As such it is likely that November 2020 will end up falling among the 20 warmest Novembers in state history, quite a remarkable turn around from last month, when we recorded one of the coldest Octobers in history. For the year 2020 so far Minnesota has recorded 7 warmer than normal months and 4 colder than normal months. Overall, the year is tracking to finish as another warmer than normal year but by less than 0.5 degrees F. From a precipitation viewpoint most climate stations are reporting above normal values for this month so far. Portions of 9 counties have reported over 2 inches of precipitation, and some areas have already recorded over 9 inches of snowfall. The year-to-date precipitation totals are close to normal or below normal in many areas of the state. A few places are having a wetter than normal year in 2