Climate Summary for October 2019

Climate Summary for October 2019

Very wet and cool is how most Minnesotans will remember October of 2019, and rightfully so. Average temperatures for the month ranged from 3 to 5 degrees F cooler than normal. This ranked as the 21st coolest October in state history back to 1895. Extremes for the month ranged from 91°F at Thielman (Wabasha County) on the 1st to just 12°F at Brimson (St Louis County) on the 29th.

October of 2019 ranked as the 6th wettest in state history, with a statewide average precipitation of just under 4.5 inches. Portions of Faribault, Lake, Todd, Mower, and Hennepin Counties reported over 7 inches for the month. Across the state’s climate station network 34 daily precipitation records were set or tied during the month, including 2.09 inches at Caledonia (Houston County) on the 2nd. Many areas of central and northern Minnesota reported from 2 to 7 inches of snowfall during the month. The persistent wetness made it quite difficult for farmers to harvest crops. By October 28th only 22 percent of the state corn crop had been harvested and only 62 percent of the soybean crop put in the bin, representing one of the latest harvest seasons in recent decades.

Weekly Weather Potpourri:

What is a Marine Heat Wave? NOAA features an article this week about this, focusing on the North Pacific Ocean. You can read more about it at NOAA.

Tropical Cyclone Maha formed this week and is expected to strengthen, but also remain out to sea and not a threat to India, Pakistan or other nations around the Arabian Sea.

Amidst this very wet year across much of the nation, Christopher Burt has written a comprehensive article for the Weather Underground about precipitation extremes across the USA. He even lists the state by state records for 24-hr rainfall maximum. He also mentions that climate change is bringing a higher frequency of these extremes to many areas.

MPR listener question:

We have heard that following the Famous Halloween Blizzard of 1991 was the snowiest November in state history. How much snowfall came in that month and what was the record amount?

Answer:

Over 40 Minnesota climate stations reported 30 inches or more of snowfall in November of 1991. At least 20 climate stations exceeded 40 inches, topped by 58.6 inches at Bruno (Pine County). Duluth had a record 50.1 inches and MSP a record 46.9 inches. Within the state climate station network 386 daily snowfall records were tied or broken during the month.

Twin Cities Almanac for November 1st:

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 50 degrees F (plus or minus 11 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 34 degrees F (plus or minus 9 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for November 1st:

MSP records for this date include: highest daily maximum temperature of 77 degrees F in 1933; lowest daily maximum temperature of 25 degree F in 1951; lowest daily minimum temperature of 10 degrees F in 1951; highest daily minimum temperature of 57 degrees F in 2000; record precipitation of 1.85 inches in 1991. Record snowfall is 18.5 inches also in 1991.

Average dew point for November 1st is 33°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 62°F in 2000; and the minimum dew point on this date is -4°F in 1984.

All-time state records for November 1st:

The state record high temperature for this date is 84 degrees F at Winona (Winona County) in 1950. The state record low temperature for this date is -10 degrees F at Campbell (Wilkin County) in 1919. The state record precipitation for this date is 3.28 inches at Winona (Winona County) in 1991. Record snowfall for this date is 24.1 inches at Duluth Airport (St Louis County) in 1991.

Past Weather Features:

On a statewide basis November 1, 1935 was the coldest in history. Single digits above and below zero F prevailed in northern Minnesota, while most southern counties saw the temperature drop into the low to mid-teens F. Even the daytime high temperature at Roseau only reached 16°F.

The warmest November 1st in state history was in 1950 when afternoon temperatures soared into the 60s and 70s F. Winnebago, Winona, Wheaton, Pipestone, and New Ulm all reached the low 80s F. Office workers took their lunch break outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.

October 1 to November 2, 1991 brought a historical storm to Eastern Minnesota, known as the Halloween Blizzard. This storm brought 15-35 inches of snowfall to the eastern half of the state, causing widespread power outages and road closures.

Outlook:

Cool, cloudy, and breezy throughout the weekend. It will definitely be parka weather. Mostly dry. Monday will bring somewhat warmer temperatures with a chance for rain or show. It will remain much colder than normal throughout next week as well.