Climate Summary for August of 2022

Climate Summary for August of 2022:

Most climate observers reported a mean monthly temperature that was very close to normal, or in some cases 1°F to 2°F above normal. Extremes for the month ranged from 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) on the 3rd (which was a new daily record high for them) to 39°F at several northeastern climate stations on the 11th.

Adding the August temperature statistics to those of June and July shows that most areas of Minnesota recorded a mean summertime (Jun-Aug) temperature that was 1 to 2°F above normal. On a statewide basis, 11 of the last 12 summers have been warmer than normal across Minnesota.

Most areas of the state reported above normal rainfall for the month of August, except for some observers in northwestern, west-central, and southwestern Minnesota. Wetter areas of the state were generally in eastern counties. In fact some observers in Houston, Washington, Steele, Fillmore, Dakota, Winona, and Olmsted Counties reported 7 to 9 inches of rainfall during the month. In contrast, at Crookston (Polk County) only 0.57 inches of rainfall occurred while at Red Lake Falls (Red Lake County) they reported only 0.94 inches. Within the statewide climate network, there were 41 new daily record rainfalls reported during the month, including a remarkable 4.32 inches at Cambridge (Isanti County) on the 18th.

Adding the August rainfall statistics to those of June and July shows that only portions of northeastern and southeastern Minnesota had above normal rainfall for the summer season (Jun-Aug). Most other places report less than normal rainfall.

Strong thunderstorms moved across portions of the state on August 2, 6, 12, 19, and 27. Some of these storms brought very strong winds as well. The National Weather Service put together at summary of the storms on August 27 which included 5 weak tornadoes. But overall, August was not as windy as earlier months of the year, delivering few days with wind gust over 30 mph.

Overall areas determined to be experiencing drought at the beginning of the month remained stable or even shrunk in size by the end of the month. About 20 percent of the state landscape remains abnormally dry for the year.

MPR State Fair Minnesota Weather Quiz Broadcast:

It’s time once again to test how much you know about Minnesota weather and climate. Cathy Wurzer and I presented the annual Minnesota State Fair Weather Quiz Event on Minnesota Public Radio News and Information Service from noon to 1pm August 25, 2022. It is posted on the MPR web site if you want to test your knowledge you can take the quiz there. The quiz has questions related to Minnesota history, recent weather events, record weather events, weather jargon, and climate change. Have fun!

Weekly Weather Potpourri:

The Capitol Weather Gang at the Washington Post featured an article about the Heat Wave in western states, especially California, that is expected to persist throughout the weekend. Temperatures will push 110°F to 115°F in many areas. Death Valley will see temperatures from 120°F to 125°F. The Heat Wave is expected to break by next Monday or Tuesday.

In the Western Pacific Ocean Typhoon Hinnamnor was being closely monitored as it aimed for Okinawa this week. Sustained winds were as high as 135 mph, producing sea wave heights of 50 feet. It brought heavy rains to Okinawa and was expected to head towards Japan over the weekend.

Meanwhile the Atlantic Ocean Basin was becoming more active this week with the formation of Tropical Storm Danielle. The National Hurricane Center was tracking this storm and also watching two more areas where tropical storm development could occur.

A recent study from scientists at the University of Washington and Harvard University finds that with continued climate change, even if held to 2.0°C by aggressive mitigation efforts, will call a 3 to10 fold increase in Heat Waves for many areas in the midlatitudes. This will expose many more millions of people to health risks multiple times during the year.

MPR listener question:

I know that many areas of Minnesota, especially in the north, record their first autumn frost during September. But has anyone ever reported a morning low temperature in the single digits? Also do you think September will generally be warmer or colder than normal this year?

Answer:

There is no record of a single digit low temperature being measured in Minnesota during the month of September. The closest to that was a reading of 10°F at Thorhult (Beltrami County) on September 22, 1974 and a similar reading at Big Falls (Koochiching County) on September 30, 1930. The vast majority of climate outlook models for September favor a warmer than normal month for Minnesota. In fact, this month started with 12 climate stations reporting afternoon high temperatures of 90°F or greater on September 1st (Thursday).

Twin Cities Almanac for September 2nd:

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 78 degrees F (plus or minus 9 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 59 degrees F (plus or minus 7 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for September 2nd:

MSP records for this date: highest daily maximum temperature of 97 degrees F in 1937; lowest daily maximum temperature of 55 degrees F in 1952; lowest daily minimum temperature of 42 degrees F in 1974; highest daily minimum temperature of 76 degrees F in 1953; record precipitation of 1.97 inches in 2000. No snow has been reported on this date.

Average dew point for September 2nd is 56°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 75°F in 1961; and the minimum dew point on this date is 29 degrees F in 1974.

All-time state records for September 2nd:

The state record high temperature for this date is 103 degrees F at Beardsley (Big Stone County) in 1929. The state record low temperature for this date is 22 degrees F at Saw Bill Camp (Cook County) in 1935. The state record precipitation for this date is 5.91 inches at Halstad (Norman County) in 1957. No measurable snowfall has occurred on this date.

Past Weather Features:

September 2 of 1929 was probably the hottest in state history as most areas reported afternoon temperatures in the 90s F. In western Minnesota, climate observers reported temperatures over 100°F in Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle, and Traverse Counties. The overnight low at Wheaton was a warm 78°F.

September 2 of 1946 was the coldest in state history with 30 climate stations reporting morning frosts. Several places also reported morning lows in the mid 20s F. The daytime high temperature barely reached 50°F at Ada (Norman County) that day.

Central and northern Minnesota citizens saw a very wet start to September in 1957. Over the first three days thunderstorms brought heavy rains, high winds, and even some hail. Many observers reported over 2.5 inches of rainfall and some up to 5 inches. Some roads in northwestern Minnesota were closed due to flooding.

Outlook: 

Sunny with near seasonal temperatures for Saturday and Sunday. A bit cooler than normal start on Sunday. Then warming up on Monday, with mostly above normal temperatures all of next week under mostly sunny skies.