Big Transition Week Weatherwise:
Not surprising with extensive and persistent cloud cover, southerly winds, and high dew points many climate stations set new record warm daily minimum temperature records, 108 records tied or broken in the first 17 days of November. Among the record warm daily minimum temperatures set as recently as this week were: 47°F at St Cloud, 29°F at Caledonia, and 50°F at Redwood Falls on the 16th; 47°F at International Falls, 49°F at MSP (tied record), 48°F at St Cloud, and 48°F at Pipestone and Winnebago on the 17th.
Overall November of 2015 has been the warmest since 2001 and will likely end up among the warmest in Minnesota history regardless of the temperature conditions for the balance of the month, including the colder than normal days expected to prevail through the coming weekend.
The persistent cloud cover this week has brought plenty of rainfall as well, including record-setting values at some climate stations. Many observers have reported over 1 inch of total rainfall over November 16-18. Some areas have reported over 2 inches including Grand Rapids, Duluth, Grand Portage, Two Harbors, Milan, Kimball, St Cloud, Milaca, Mora, Lakefield, and Windom. Brainerd Airport has reported 3.45 inches this week, a remarkable total for the month of November. Many new record values of daily precipitation were reported from climate stations this week. Among these were:
For November 17th: 1.07" at Rosemount, 1.00" at Vesta, 1.21" at MSP Airport, 0.79" at Ely, 0.60" at Pipestone, 0.67" at Minnesota, 1.02" at Brainerd, and 0.87" at Bricelyn
For November 18th: 0.98" at St Cloud, 1.03" at Hawley, 1.18" at Worthington, 1.06" at Windom, 1.20" at Montevideo, 1.10" at Dawson1.26" at Milan, 1.45" at Collegeville, 1.69" at Milaca, 1.57" at Mora, 1.33" at Isle, 1.38" at Brainerd, 1.80" at Pine River Dam, 1.48" at Grand Portage, and 1.10" at Hastings.
Already November of 2015 ranks among the wettest 20 historically on a statewide basis, and for some individual communities it ranks even higher. Some examples include:
3.04" so far at International Falls (4th all-time)
4.02" so far at Owatonna (3rd all-time)
4.23" so far at Rosemount (5th all-time)
4.34" so far at Windom (1st all-time)
4.41" so far at Grand Portage (4th all-time)
3.99" so far at MSP (7th all-time)
It is likely that significantly more precipitation will add to these totals before the end of the month. With cooler temperatures this precipitation will come in the form of snow and rain.
Third Annual Climate Adaptation Conference, January 28, 2016:
For the second year, Climate Adaptation Awards will be presented to recognize achievements in leadership, education, research, policies, or practices that improve resilience and advance climate adaptation in Minnesota. We strongly encourage you to submit a nomination to recognize exemplary work by an individual, organization, institution, or the private sector. The submission process requires only a letter of nomination and two supporting letters. Nominations are due November 25, 2015, to Barbara Liukkonen, liukk001@umn.edu This conference promises to be an outstanding venue for disseminating results of your work, learning from others, and celebrating the accomplishments of Minnesota's climate adaptation leaders. Please consider nominating a deserving colleague or organization for an award.
Weekly Weather Potpourri:
There’s good news and bad news about hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the gases that replaced the ozone-depleting substances that were used in refrigerators and air conditioners....the good news: HFCs are indeed much less damaging to Earth’s protective ozone layer. The bad news is that many HFCs currently in use are strong greenhouse gases, and they have been increasing rapidly in the atmosphere. You can read more details about this in a study highlighted by NOAA climate.gov.
Typhoon In-Fa in the Western Pacific Ocean, southeast of Guam, was gaining strength this week, although it presented no threat to land. It was expected to reach wind speeds over 130 mph this weekend and produce wave heights over 30 feet.
Winter Storm Barney unleashed strong winds and heavy rains across parts of the United Kingdom this week. An unusual part of the forecast included a statement of warning from the Environment Agency in the UK for people not to attempt to take selfies in the storm, an act which apparently has gained in popularity in recent times.
MPR Listener Question:
Answer:
Twin Cities Almanac for November 20th:
MSP Local Records for November 20th:
MSP weather records for this date include: highest daily maximum temperature of 63 degrees F in 1925; lowest daily maximum temperature of 17 degrees F in 1872, 1937, and 1978; lowest daily minimum temperature is -3 degrees F in 1921; highest daily minimum temperature of 43 F in 1930 and 1990; record precipitation of 2.01 inches 1975; and record snowfall of 8.0 inches in 1975.
Average dew point for November 20th is 24 degrees F, with a maximum of 54 degrees F in 1934 and a minimum of -1 degrees F in 1950.
All-Time State Records for November 20th:
Past Weather Features:
November 20, 1897 was likely the warmest in history statewide as 27 Minnesota communities saw afternoon highs climb into the 60s F. Across southern Minnesota several observers reported high temperatures in the 70s F. At Montevideo the temperature climbed from a low of 24°F to an afternoon high of 74°F, a rise of 50 degrees F.
A strong low pressure system brought heavy rainfall to the state over November 20-21, 1930. Many areas received over 1 inch, while a few climate stations reported over 2 inches. At Pigeon River in northeastern Minnesota the river rose rapidly as over 3 inches of rain fell there.
One of the worst winter snow storms for this time of year occurred over November 19-20, 1975. Strong winds and heavy snow plagued much of the central and northern portions of the state. Many communities reported over 10 inches of snow, and drifts closed roads in many areas.
Outlook:
NOAA-CPC look at early December favors warmer and drier than normal......see below.
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