Strong Warming Trend in September: Despite a rather cool, dry start to this month of September, it is worth noting what a strong warming trend has been measured over the last 30 Septembers in Minnesota. Since 1993 the average September temperature on a statewide basis has increased over 3.5°F. Further, 24 of the last 30 Septembers have been warmer than normal. September of 2015 was the warmest in state history, at 7°F above normal, and September of 2023 (last year) was the second warmest at 6.7°F above normal. September rainfall has been highly variable since 1993 with most years either being very dry or very wet, and very few years being near average. For example, in both 2010 and 2019 the statewide average rainfall in September was over 6 inches, while in 2012 it was just 0.61 inches. So what might we expect the rest of this month? After a rather cool Saturday this weekend, the balance of the month will bring mostly well above normal temperatures, with many daytime highs in t
Preliminary Climate Summary for August of 2024: August will end with average monthly temperatures around the state that are near normal in many areas, especially some southern counties. But most other places reported an average monthly temperature that was 1°F to 2°F above normal. Extremes ranged from 95°F at Austin (Mower County) on August 26 to just 38°F at Brimson (St Louis County) on the morning of August 6. By far the hottest day of the month was Monday, August 26, when Heat Index values ranged from 101°F to 115°F across the state between 3pm and 5pm. The Heat Index hit 119°F at both St James (Watonwan County) and Preston (Fillmore County). Afternoon dew points were in 80s F in many places. Rainfall for August was above normal across most of Minnesota. A few areas in far northern Minnesota, as well as some southwestern counties reported below normal rainfall. Many observers reported over 6 inches of rain, and within the statewide climate reporting network there were over 65