Coldest and warmest years in Minnesota separated by 150 years: Preliminary climate data indicate that 2024 was the warmest year in Minnesota history on a statewide basis, with all 12 months being warmer than normal. This should not be surprising, as last winter was the warmest in Minnesota history as well. In the Twin Cities it appears that 2024 tied with 1931 as the warmest year in history, despite the months of June, July, and August being slightly cooler than normal. The 2024 climate data for other Minnesota cities shows that Duluth reported its warmest year in history, International Falls its 2nd warmest year, and Rochester its 3rd warmest year. In juxtaposition to these climate statistics, I would like to point out that 150 years ago the winter of 1874-1875 was the coldest in Minnesota history, and this week 150 years ago began the coldest year in state history (1875). Winter of 1874-1875 was historic for both persistent cold and record-setting low temperatures. Some of th...
