Preliminary Climate Summary for June of 2025

Preliminary Climate Summary for June of 2025:

Even with the above normal temperatures forecasted for the final weekend in June, the average monthly temperature around the state will range from a modest 1°F to 2°F above normal because about half of the days brought cooler than normal temperatures to most places. Within the state climate station network there were 56 daily record high maximum temperatures reported, including 100°F at Theilman (Wabasha County) and 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) last weekend. In fact, last weekend brought Heat Index Values ranging from 100°F to 110°F to many parts of the state. Extremes for the month ranged from 29°F at Seagull Lake (Cook County) on the 14th to 101°F at Marshall (Lyon County) on the 22nd.

Except for some parts of northwestern and north-central Minnesota, the vast majority of Minnesota climate stations reported above normal rainfall for the month. Rains were both persistent, occurring on half or more of the days in June, and heavy, with many daily amounts exceeding 2 inches. Many county observers reported from 5 to 7 inches in total rainfall, with some locations surpassing 9 inches. For some the month of June brought record or near-record rainfall. Here is a sampling:
Canby (Yellow Medicine County)  12.27" wettest June in history
Litchfield (Meeker County) 11.90 “ wettest June in history
Hokah (Houston County) 10.09” wettest June in history
Ortonville (Big Stone County) 10.63” 2nd wettest June in history
Chanhassen (Carver County) 8.78” 2nd wettest June in history

A number of other observers have reported over 10 inches of rainfall this month, but they do not have long term climate records for comparison.

During the month, at least 35 long-term climate stations reported daily record amounts of rainfall on at least one date. Some of these were extraordinary, including:

7.34 inches at Red Lake Falls on the 24th
3.60 inches at Hokah on the 26th
3.50 inches at Wells on the 16th
2.71 inches at the University of MN St Paul Campus on the 26th

There were numerous reports of tornadoes on June 16th, June 25th, and June 28th  as well as large hail and damaging winds. Perhaps the most damaging winds occurred over June 20-21, when strong thunderstorm winds, up to 106 mph caused a great deal of damage in northwestern counties, especially Norman, Marshall, Beltrami, and Lake of the Woods. There were widespread power outages that lasted for days, and Lake Bemidji State Park was closed for days. More detailed analysis of this storm can be found at the Minnesota State Climatology Office web site.

Speaking of wind, a number of climate stations reported at least 10 or more days with wind gusts of 30 mph or greater. 

Weekly Weather Potpourri:

The BBC Weather Center reports that with climate change the number of June days with a maximum temperature of 86°F or higher is increasing across the United Kingdom. Records show that such days occurred about once every 50 years a long time ago, but in recent decades this has changed for some areas to once in 5 years, a ten-fold increase in frequency.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster movie hit “Jaws.” Much of it was filmed around Martha’s Vineyard, and the weather did not always cooperate. In fact the weather presented many obstacles to making the film work, primarily storms, and cold ocean water that was not tolerated well by the cast and crew. The Weather Underground web site features an interesting article about some of the weather challenges in filming “Jaws” and how they coped with these. 

MPR listener question:

I am a resident of Wells, MN (Faribault County). It seems like it has rained every other day this month. I go out to eat twice a week at our Loma Azul Mexican Restaurant and have been caught in the rain every time. What is the record for the number of rainy days in June in our area? My wife said you would know. 

Answer:

Please thank your wife for her confidence in me! It always makes a meteorologist feel good. The record for June rainy days at Wells is 21 back in 1967, perhaps before your time. 

Twin Cities Almanac for June 27th:

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 82 degrees F (plus or minus 8 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is 64 degrees F (plus or minus 7 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for June 27th:

MSP records for this date: highest daily maximum temperature of 104 degrees F in 1934; lowest daily maximum temperature of 61 degrees F in 1911; lowest daily minimum temperature of 44 degrees F in 1925; highest daily minimum temperature of 79 degrees F in 1933; and record precipitation of 2.00 inches in 1953. There has not been any snowfall on this date.

Average dew point for June 27th is 59°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 76°F in 1959 and the minimum dew point on this date is 36 degrees F in 1925. 

All-time state records for June 27th:

The state record high temperature for this date is 108 degrees F at New London (Kandiyohi County) in 1934. The state record low temperature for this date is 26 degrees F at Kelliher (Beltrami County) in 2006. The state record precipitation for this date is 6.46 inches at Zumbrota (Goodhue County) in 1998. No snowfall has occurred on this date.

Past Weather:

June 27th in 1925 was probably the coldest in state history, as many climate stations reported morning low temperatures in the 30s F. Frosts were reported in Cass, St Louis, Carlton, Roseau, and Itasca Counties. The daytime high temperature only reached 58°F at Grand Marais.

By far, the warmest June 27th in Minnesota history was in 1934, when 18 counties reported afternoon temperatures of 100°F or greater. While New London baked in 108°F it was just 63°F at Grand Marais Harbor.

A series of thunderstorms over June 26-27 in 1998 brought heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of southeastern Minnesota. Many areas reported 4-5 inches of rain which brought rivers and streams up to bank full and closed many rural roads. Portions of Wabasha County reported over 7 inches of rain where farm fields were washed out. 

Outlook:

Much warmer for this weekend, with chances for showers and thunderstorms. Some areas will see a return of 90°F temperatures and 70-°F dew points.. Drier on Monday with temperatures dropping back closer to normal. More chances for showers and thunderstorms late Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures a few degrees above normal. Initial forecast for Friday, July 4th suggests near normal temperatures but a chance for showers and thunderstorms.