Dry start to January with fluctuating temperatures:
Most of the major storm systems so far this year have been south of Minnesota. Consequently, there has been little precipitation measured through the first 9 days of January. Most climate stations report no precipitation at all, but a few northern stations have reported a half inch to an inch of snow. The latest map from the DNR-State Climatology Office shows that about 70 percent of the state measures a snow depth of 1 inch or less as of Thursday, January 9th.
Total seasonal snowfall accumulations are really lagging behind normal, as many areas of the state have reported less than 10 inches since November 1st . Only portions of northeastern Minnesota have reported total seasonal snowfall of 20 inches or greater, but that is still below normal for this time of winter. There is a chance for some snow this weekend, but not in abundant amounts, and certainly not in the quantity of the famous historic blizzard that occurred 50 years ago today (see Past Weather below).
Generally colder than normal temperatures have prevailed so far this month, but without any record-setting lows Certainly there have been a number of cold mornings. Earlier this week places like Kabetogama, Orr, Baudette, Roseau, and Warroad reported morning lows of -20°F or colder. Forecast models hint at a January Thaw coming for next Wednesday through Friday, with daily temperatures rising above the freezing mark in many areas. Following this relatively brief warm spells, temperatures are expected to be cooler than normal for several days.
Weekly Weather Potpourri:
The Weather Underground web site provides a review and analysis of the Santa Ana Winds that are contributing to mightily to the wildfires around Los Angeles this week. Measured peak wind speeds have been as high at 80 mph to 100 mph and relative humidity has been below 10 percent in many areas of southern California. Such conditions have not been measured since the year 2011 according to some reports.
The BBC Weather Center reports that a very cold week is expected across England, Wales, and Scotland. Many areas will see temperatures remain below freezing and some may see overnight lows of -20°C (-4°F) or colder, some of the lowest readings since the winter of 2021.
MPR listener question:
What is the warmest overnight low temperature ever measured during January in Minnesota?
Answer:
Warmest overnight low temperature in January that I can find historically is 46°F at Mazeppa, MN (Wabasha County) on January 1, 1897. That same morning, St Charles in Winona County reported a low of 43°F. Several other southeastern communities have reported January lows in the 40s as well, including Winona with 43°F on January 9 of 2002. In the Twin Cities climate record the warmest overnight low is 42°F which occurred twice, on January 1 of 1897 and again on January 25 of 1944. All of these extreme warm January lows are roughly 30 to 35°F above normal and under cloudy conditions or with overnight fog.
Twin Cities Almanac for January 10th:
The average MSP high temperature for this date is 23 degrees F (plus or minus 13 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 9 degrees F (plus or minus 14 degrees F standard deviation).
MSP Local Records for January 10th:
MSP records for this date: highest daily maximum temperature of 52 degrees F in 2012; lowest daily maximum temperature of -14 degrees F in 1912; lowest daily minimum temperature of -30 degrees F in 1886; highest daily minimum temperature of 33 degrees F in 1928, and record precipitation of 1.13 inches in 1975. Record snowfall is 4.0 inches in 1976.
Average dew point for January 10th is 3°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 39°F in 1980 and the minimum dew point on this date is -39 degrees F in 1982.
All-time state records for January 10th:
The state record high temperature for this date is 58 degrees F at Madison (Lac Qui Parle County) in 1990 and at Granite Falls (Yellow Medicine County) in 2012. The state record low temperature for this date is -52 degrees F at Pokegama Dam (Itasca County) in 1905. The state record precipitation for this date is 2.12 inches at Grand Portage (Cook County) in 1975. The statewide snowfall record for this date is 14.1 inches at International Falls (Koochiching County) also in 1975.
Past Weather:
One of the coldest January days in history occurred on January 10th of 1912. With widespread snow cover, arctic high pressure held a strong grip on the state of Minnesota bringing widespread subzero temperature readings. Most places saw morning lows from -20°F to -40°F. Thief River Falls reported a record cold afternoon high temperature of -30°F.
One of the worst blizzards of the 20th Century began exactly 50 years ago, on January 10 of 1975. The storm brought record low pressure to many parts of Minnesota, along with very strong winds (gusts from 50 to 80 mph). The snow lasted for over two days, bringing 20 or more inches to many parts of the state and shutting down roads and highways with 20 foot drifts. Many travelers were stranded by the storm, and there were 35 storm-related deaths.
January 10 of 2012 was one of the warmest in state history. With little or no snow on the ground, sunny skies, and south winds, afternoon high temperatures reached the 40s and 50s F in nearly all parts of the state. Many citizens used the nice weather for afternoon walks or bike rides. Some even grilled their dinner outside.
Outlook:
Temperatures will warm up over the weekend with a chance for snow later on Saturday and into Sunday, perhaps 1-3 inches in some places. Then much colder temperatures will prevail Sunday night through Tuesday. A bit warmer again next Wednesday and Thursday with a January Thaw in some areas of the state, and a slight chance for snow.
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