Cold November Continues

Cold November Continues:

Through the first three weeks of November observers around the state reported an average monthly temperature that ranges from 7 to 9 degrees F cooler than normal. Over 80 climate stations in Minnesota have reported at least one subzero temperature so far this month, topped by -20°F at Cotton (St Louis County) on November 20th. Though much of the state has been spared from a lot of snowfall, the northeastern area has received from 12 to 18 inches, topped by 18.5 inches at Grand Portage.

The Minnesota State Climatology Office posted a Thanksgiving Weather Retrospective o their web site. It provides a look back at all the weather in the Twin Cities history associated with the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Weekly Weather Potpourri:

Authorities issued a public health alert for Sydney, Australia on Thursday as the 500km-wide (310 miles) dust band began to reach the city. One of the largest dust storms in recent history blanketed many parts of SE Australia and caused air quality alerts to be issued. This climate situation was set up by prolonged drought there.

The BBC News reported that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says there is no sign of reversal in the rising trend of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Carbon dioxide levels reached 405 parts per million (ppm) in 2017, a level not seen in 3-5 million years. You can read more about the annual greenhouse gas report online from the WMO.

MPR listener question:

What is the maximum monthly snowfall record in Minnesota for November?

Answer:

The small community of Bruno in Pine County reported 58.6 inches of snow in November of 1991. I believe that is the statewide record.

Twin Cities Almanac for November 23rd

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 37 degrees F (plus or minus 10 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 22 degrees F (plus or minus 10 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for November 23rd:

MSP records for this date include: highest daily maximum temperature of 55 degrees F in 1905; lowest daily maximum temperature of 7 degree F in 1898; lowest daily minimum temperature of -6 degrees F in 1898; highest daily minimum temperature of 46 degrees F in 2009; record precipitation of 0.89 inches in 1983. Record snowfall is 11.4 inches also in 1983.

Average dew point for November 23rd is 19°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 50°F in 1905; and the minimum dew point on this date is -18°F in 1950.

All-time state records for November 23rd:

The state record high temperature for this date is 68 degrees F at Browns Valley (Traverse County) in 2006. The state record low temperature for this date is -31 degrees F at Tower (St Louis County) in 1898. The state record precipitation for this date is 2.57 inches at Grand Marais (Cook County) in 2012. Record snowfall for this date is 18.0 inches at Babbitt (St Louis County) in 1983.

Past Weather Features:

Probably warmest November 23rd in state history was in 2006. Sunny skies and strong southerly winds ushered in some unseasonably warm air. Over 50 communities reported daytime highs in the 50s F, while in western Minnesota a dozen communities saw the thermometer reach 60 degrees F or higher.

Outlook:

Cloudy and cool throughout the weekend and early next week. Temperatures will average 5 to 10 degrees cooler than normal. Increasing clouds on Wednesday and Thursday with a chance for snow.