Climate Summary for November 2022

Climate Summary for November 2022:

Most climate observers reported a mean monthly temperature that was close to normal, or in a few cases 1 or 2°F above normal. Extremes for the month ranged from 79°F at Granite Falls (November 2nd) and Theilman (November 3rd) to -6°F at Seagull Lake (Cook County) on the 20th. Overall. Temperatures were up and down with 87 daily maximum temperature records set or tied within the state climate network, mostly in the first 10 days of the month which were extraordinarily warm; and a handful of cold low temperature or cold high temperature records set over the balance of the month. Minnesota reported the coldest temperature in the 48 contiguous states only once during the month (3°F at Cotton on the 16th).

Most areas of the state reported above normal precipitation in November, especially in northeastern Minnesota. Only a few spots in northwestern and south-central Minnesota reported below normal precipitation. A number of climate stations reported over 3 inches, and in the northeast counties there were several reports of 3 to 5 inches or more. Wolf Ridge ELC (Lake County) reported 5.41 inches of precipitation, the 2nd wettest November in history there, while Duluth reported 3.63 inches, the 8th wettest November in their climate record. There were over 30 reports from the climate network of at least one new daily precipitation record, including 1.87 inches at Cloquet on the 10th.

Northeastern Minnesota was also the area of heaviest snowfall in November with many climate stations reporting 15 inches or more. Wolf Ridge ELC and Hovland reported over 30 inches for the month. Hovland also reported a new daily statewide record snowfall of 18.5 inches on November 15th. Nearly all areas of the state reported at least a trace of snow during the month. There were over 20 reports of new daily record snowfall from the climate network.

November was windy as well, following the trend of 2022. Many climate stations reported 10 or more days with wind gusts over 30 mph. Rochester reported 15 days with wind gusts of 30 mph. Some blizzard warnings were issued for mid-month storms.

Soils were starting to freeze up during the last week of the month, and ice cover was forming on many lakes, but far from safe for ice fishing.

Weather Potpourri:

NOAA released an interesting summary of the Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2022 documenting 14 names storms and 8 hurricanes. Ian, Nicole, and Fiona brought the most damage, especially with respect to Florida and Puerto Rico. NOAA’s Hurricane Center was commended for its diligent work this season in producing accurate forecasts and reports.


The BBC Weather Center reported that November was much warmer and wetter than normal across the United Kingdom. This continued a year-long climate trend which will likely make 2022 the warmest year of record for them.

A recent article by scientists from the National Center for Atmospheric Research documents how the heat and drought of the North American Dust Bowl Era (1930s) contributed to atmospheric patterns and behavior elsewhere which triggered heat waves in other areas of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Northern Europe and parts of eastern and northeastern Asia. It is reported in Nature Scientific Reports.

MPR listener question:

I live in Roseville and still need to paint one side of my garage which did not get painted this fall. I need a 50°F day to do it. Any chance this December will deliver one?

Answer:

The 147 year climate record for the Twin Cities shows a 3 in 10 chance of getting 50°F day in December. Not very good chances, but you never know. In 2014, 2017, and 2021 the thermometer hit 50°F or warmer on 3 days in December, and 7 days in December of 1939. None of the forecast or climate outlook models suggest that we will see 50°F this month, so you may be stuck until Spring.

Twin Cities Almanac for December 2nd:

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 34 degrees F (plus or minus 11 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 20 degrees F (plus or minus 11 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for December 2nd:

MSP records for this date: highest daily maximum temperature of 63 degrees F in 1982; lowest daily maximum temperature of -3 degrees F in 1886; lowest daily minimum temperature of -17 degrees F in 1886; highest daily minimum temperature of 49 degrees F in 1962; record precipitation of 0.30 inches in 1933. Record snowfall is 2.7 inches in 1978.

Average dew point for December 2nd is 19°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 53°F in 1982; and the minimum dew point on this date is -27 degrees F in 1976.

All-time state records for December 2nd:

The state record high temperature for this date is 69 degrees F at Mankato (Blue Earth County) in 1998. The state record low temperature for this date is -47 degrees F at Pokegama Dam (Itasca County) in 1896. The state record precipitation for this date is 2.51 inches at Caledonia (Houston County) in 1984. Record snowfall is 14.0 inches at Elbow Lake (Grant County) in 1985.

Past Weather:

December 2, 1896 brought extreme cold to Minnesota with subzero temperature readings in most places. Temperatures of -20°F or colder were widespread across central and northern counties. The afternoon high temperature at Crookston only reached -10°F.

Very snowy start to December in 1985 as each of the first five days of the month brought snow. Many places reported 10 to 20 inches of snowfall, and there were a number of school closings. By the end of the month some southeastern Minnesota climate stations reported over 30 inches.

December 2, 1998 brought record warmth to many areas of the state. Without much snow cover, daytime temperatures warmed into the 60s F in 35 central and southern counties. Several golf courses opened for the day.

Outlook:

Sunny, but quite cold over the weekend. Increasing cloudiness on Sunday night and Monday with slightly warmer temperatures, and a chance for snow. Then mostly cold and dry for next week with temperatures trending cooler than normal.