Minnesota WeatherTalk

Preliminary Climate Summary for August of 2024: August will end with average monthly temperatures around the state that are near normal in many areas, especially some southern counties. But most other places reported an average monthly temperature that was 1°F to 2°F above normal. Extremes ranged from 95°F at Austin (Mower County) on August 26 to just 38°F at Brimson (St Louis County) on the morning of August 6. By far the hottest day of the month was Monday, August 26, when Heat Index values ranged from 101°F to 115°F across the state between 3pm and 5pm. The Heat Index hit 119°F at both St James (Watonwan County) and Preston (Fillmore County). Afternoon dew points were in 80s F in many places. Rainfall for August was above normal across most of Minnesota. A few areas in far northern Minnesota, as well as some southwestern counties reported below normal rainfall. Many observers reported over 6 inches of rain, and within the statewide climate reporting network there were over 65...

 Some Climate Highlights of the Year 2024 So Far: -warmest meteorological winter (Dec-Feb) in state history. The three months averaged over 14°F above normal on a statewide basis, golf courses open at least one-day in every month. -the warm winter also included the warmest January 31st in state history when MSP and St Cloud both reached 55°F and Marshall reached 61°F, with citizens taking their lunch outside to enjoy the fresh air. -the mild winter also produced a record or near-record low amount of seasonal snowfall for many areas of the state. Most of the seasonal snowfall in many places either came on Valentine’s Day or the two winter storms in March (Mar 21-22, or Mar 23-27). Twin Cities ended up with a seasonal total of 29.5 inches, but places like Austin, St James, St Peter, and Mankato ended up with less than 15 inches. -Then, unexpectedly after 3 years of drought, Minnesota recorded the wettest April-June period in state history, with a statewide average rainfall of over...

Mid-August Weather Update: Daylength is getting noticeably shorter. We started August with 14 hrs and 40 minutes of daylight and we will end up with just 13 hrs and 17 minutes. Each day we are losing close to 3 minutes of daylight. This is probably a challenge on those golfers who want to be able to get in 9 holes after work. Overnight storms brought from half an inch to an inch of rainfall to many areas of the state over August 14-15 this week. Some climate observers even reported new record daily amounts, including: Lake Bronson (Kittson County) with 1.41 inches Lancaster (Kittson County) with 1.19 inches Warren (Marshall County) with 2.18 inches Spring Valley (Fillmore County) with 1.29 inches Wells (Faribault County) with 0.93 inches Wells has now reported 43.29 inches of precipitation for the year so far, while their normal annual precipitation there is 34.51 inches. Elgin (in Wabasha County) now reports over 47 inches of precipitation for the year so far. USDA reports that s...

More Heavy Rains: Following the abundant, and sometimes record-setting rains that started the month, this week brought more heavy rains, mostly to central and southern portions of Minnesota. Many areas reported from 1 to 2 inches, and several climate stations reported record daily rainfall amounts either on August 5th or August 6th. Some of the record daily amounts this week included: 3.50 inches at Alexandria (Douglas County) 2.82 inches at Collegeville (Stearns County) 2.81 inches at St Cloud (Stearns County) 2.51 inches at Cambridge (Isanti County) 2.41 inches at Wabasha (Wabasha County) 2.20 inches at Preston (Fillmore County) 2.03 inches at Caledonia (Houston County) Strong thunderstorms produced severe weather in some places this week, including hail, strong winds, and some tornadoes. The National Weather Service reported on the tornado at Melrose (Stearns County) on August 3, and then also filed reports on the tornadoes in southern Minnesota on August 5th, including those c...

Climate Summary for July 2024: Wednesday, July 31 brought some strong thunderstorms across the state, delivering some widespread heavy rains. Some were record-setting. A few examples: 4.10 inches at Theilman 3.27 inches at Owatonna 3.11 inches at Wells 2.82 inches at Austin 2.60 inches at Faribault 2.04 inches at Albert Lea 2.03 inches at Lamberton Since these heavy rains occurred in the evening and overnight, many of these amounts will be logged for August 1st rather than for July 31st. From a temperature standpoint the average monthly temperature was very close to normal in most areas of Minnesota, expect the far north where it was 2° to 3°F above normal. All areas of the state reported fewer than nomal 90°F days. Extremes ranged from 94°F at Brainerd on July 27th to 36°F at Kabetogama on July 2nd. Even though there were few 90°F days, the National Weather Service had to issue Heat Advisories on several days during the month, because of dew points in the 70s F. These dewpoints ...