Many climate stations reported setting new record warm daily maximum temperatures and record warm daily minimum temperatures. On November 3rd over 20 new daily record high temperatures were reported within the long-term state climate network. On the 4th this number rose to over 40 stations, and on November 5 it was over 30 stations. Record warm minimum temperature in the 40s and 50s F prevailed on those nights as well.
Among the records set on November 3rd (Election Day) were a reading of 80°F at Milan and a reading of 81°F at Redwood Falls. Those setting records on November 4th included a daytime high of 80°F at New Ulm, Artichoke Lake, and Windom; and 82°F at Milan and Redwood Falls. The readings of 82°F at Milan and Redwood Falls set a new statewide record for November 4th surpassing the old record of 79°F at Redwood Falls in 1975. On November 5th many more record high temperatures were recorded including 80°F at Lamberton, 81°F at Windom and Wheaton, and 82°F at Redwood Falls and New Ulm. Yet more records may be set from November 6-8, before the warm spell comes to an end.
As most Minnesotans know the “other shoe” will begin to drop on Monday of next week with widespread precipitation, mostly rain, then perhaps some snow showers on Tuesday. Temperatures will trend cool than normal for the balance of the week.
Weekly Weather Potpourri:
NOAA reports this week that a study of Atlantic marine species shows a migration northward and to deeper waters over recent years. This is likely a result of climate change effects in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Hurricane Eta, a Category 4 storm (winds over 130 mph) battered Honduras and Nicaragua this week. It was slow moving and so inflicted more damage, along with at least 50 deaths. In many areas rainfall measured 7-14 inches. It is still uncertain if Eta will reform over the Gulf of Mexico and move towards Florida. The Weather Underground reported on Eta in more detail.
A recent study by the University of Texas at Austin found no linkage between variations in temperature and humidity and outbreaks of COVID-19 infections. Researchers found complex relationships between human behavior and COVID-19, but little significant direct effects of weather. Science Daily reported on this study.
An interesting article appears this week in the AGU-EOS Bulletin about decarbonizing the aviation industry. There is strong motivation to do so, but it is highly complex given the current technology. Replacing jet fueled aircraft with hybrids or electric aircraft will be a formidable challenge.
MPR listener question:
Wondering how many years historically have daytime temperatures around Minnesota reached the 80s F as they did this week?
Answer:
Not very often. Only the years 1909, 1950, 1965, 1999, and 2006 brought temperatures of 80 degrees F to parts of Minnesota. Each episode was short-lived, never more than two days.
Twin Cities Almanac for November 6th:
The average MSP high temperature for this date is 47 degrees F (plus or minus 11 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 31 degrees F (plus or minus 9 degrees F standard deviation).
MSP Local Records for November 6th:
MSP records for this date include: highest daily maximum temperature of 73 degrees F in 1893; lowest daily maximum temperature of 14 degrees F in 1991; lowest daily minimum temperature of 0 degrees F in 1991; highest daily minimum temperature of 53 degrees F in 1975; record precipitation of 1.54 inches in 2000. Record snowfall is 1.6 inches in 1933.
Average dew point for November 6th is 29°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 57°F in 2008; and the minimum dew point on this date is -5 degrees F in 1991.
All-time state records for November 6th:
The state record high temperature for this date is 79 degrees F at Montevideo (Chippewa County) in 1934. The state record low temperature for this date is -16 degrees F at Moose Lake (Carlton County) in 1951. The state record precipitation for this date is 2.15 inches at Pigeon River (Cook County) in 1948. Record snowfall is 12.0 inches at Cloquet (Carlton County) in 1919.
Past Weather Features:
For northern Minnesota communities one of the snowiest starts to November occurred in 1919. During the first week of the month it snowed nearly everyday and total snowfall ranged from 6 to 15 inches. Red Lake Falls ended up with 35 inches for the month.
November 6, 1991 brought record-setting cold temperatures to Minnesota with morning lows ranging from -1°F to -15°F. Record cold daytime maximum temperatures were reported as well, ranging from the single digits to teens. The daytime high at Ada (Norman County) was only 6°F.
It was truly an Indian Summer type of day on November 6, 2001 as over 50 climate stations in Minnesota reported afternoon highs in the 70s F. Coldest spot in the state was Roseau with a high of 50°F
Outlook:
Warm and breezy throughout the weekend, with at least some areas of the state seeing record high temperatures. Increasing clouds with widespread rain on Monday, followed by much cooler temperatures. Chance for snow showers on Tuesday, then dry Wednesday and Thursday. Some moderation in temperature towards next weekend as they climb back towards normal.
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