Timely rain for some

Timely rain for some:

The rain this week was timely, but highly variable. Over 80 climate observers reported that they received an inch or more of rainfall. A few spots in Stevens and Grant Counties (west-central Minnesota) reported over 2 inches of rain. This time of year as Minnesota crops begin more rapid growth, weekly doses of rain will be more critical. As we enter the second week of June, fully three-quarters of Minnesota corn and soybean fields are estimated to be in good to excellent condition. We will likely need weekly doses of rain to sustain this. Outlooks for at the least the first half of June favor more frequent rain and thunderstorms across the state through at least June 18th.So hopefully, good to excellent crop conditions will be maintained through the month.

With a lot of daytime high temperatures in the 80s F and nighttime lows in the 60s F, most climate stations are reporting average temperatures through the first four days of the month that are 5°F to 7°F warmer than normal. Further, outlook models favor a continued trend toward warmer than normal temperatures for most of the rest of the month, but no where near record warmth.

June is an important month for Minnesota crops:

June is arguably the month of the growing season where we see maximum growth rates in our major crops. Such being the case, June weather is often said to be “setting the table” for feast or famine in terms of crop yield potential. Not only is rapid top growth of crops observable in June, when we can see crop canopies fills in and plants grows taller, but also the depth and extent of root growth expands rapidly, as many crops send their roots down to 4 to 6 feet in depth, literally mining the stored soil moisture to meet the increased needs for water during this aggressive crop growth period. The crop demand for water increases to be more than what average weekly rainfall typically provides, so that the overall stored soil moisture in agricultural fields begins to slowly decline. This is where the water holding capacity of Minnesota’s deep, rich agricultural soils becomes a real asset to sustain crop growth. By the end of June, crops typically need an inch or more of water to maintain good health.

Fortunately, June on average is Minnesota’s wettest month, with most agricultural counties reporting average June rainfall totals from 4 inches to 5.50 inches. This is generally sufficient to keep healthy fields of crops. But as we know, June rainfall can be highly variable. In some years (1900, 1910, 1936, 1987, 1988, and 2021), June rainfall has been lacking and brought only 1 to 2 inches of rain, imposing stress on crops and reducing yields. Conversely, other years (1914, 1944, 1968, 1984, 2002, 2014, and 2025) have seen abundant June rainfalls averaging between 6 inches and 8 inches. With Moderate Drought currently affecting portions of southeastern, southwestern, and north-central Minnesota, let’s hope rainfall for this June is normal or above normal to sustain good crop health and yield potential.

Weekly Weather Potpourri:

With above normal sunshine prevailing, the UK Met Office and BBC Weather Center reported this week that England and Wales recorded the warmest spring (March, April, May) in history this year, setting many daily temperature records. The spring seasons of 2024, 2025, and 2026 are the three warmest in history. This year the spring was dry as well, setting up concerns for developing drought in parts of the UK.

For those interested in the Southern Hemisphere, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued its winter season outlook last week (for June, July, and August). Overall temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal, with generally less than normal rainfall. There is increased fire danger expected this winter in parts of northwest Australia, especially the Great Sandy Desert.

MPR listener question

We were wondering which summer month typically brings the highest dew points in Minnesota?

Answer:

July brings the highest dew points in Minnesota. Often times dew points in July will reach 70°F or higher and on occasion reach 80°F or higher. In fact, over July 16-19 in 2011, we measured dew points of 80°F or higher on 4 consecutive days across Minnesota. These produced Heat Index values ranging from 110°F to 130°F across the state.

Twin Cities Almanac for June 5th:

The average MSP high temperature for this date is 76 degrees F (plus or minus 9 degrees F standard deviation), while the average low is.57 degrees F (plus or minus 7 degrees F standard deviation).

MSP Local Records for June 5th:

MSP records for this date: highest daily maximum temperature of 99 degrees F in 2021; lowest daily maximum temperature of 50 degrees F in 1935; lowest daily minimum temperature of 40 degrees F in 2000; highest daily minimum temperature of 78 degrees F in 2021, and record precipitation of 2.53 inches in 1980. No snowfall has occurred on this date.

Average dew point for June 5th is 52°F; the maximum dew point on this date is 77°F in 1925 and the minimum dew point on this date is 21 degrees F in 2009.

All-time statewide records for June 5th:

The state record high temperature for this date is.104 degrees F at Granite Falls (Yellow Medicine County) in 2021. The state record low temperature for this date is 18 degrees F at Remer (Cass County) in 1985 The statewide record for precipitation on this date is 5.47 inches at Rosemount (Dakota County) in 1994. No snow has fallen on this date.

Past Weather:

There were many reports of record-setting cold temperatures across Minnesota on the morning of June 5 in 1897. Many parts of northern Minnesota saw morning temperatures in the 20s F, while there were crop damaging frosts reported from McLeod, Wabasha, and Hubbard Counties. The afternoon high temperature at Grand Portage only reached 40°F.

Thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall to many parts of southern Minnesota on June 5 of 1994. Many climate stations reported from 2 to 4 inches of rainfall. Farmington reported 4.50 inches and Rosemount reported 5.47 inches with street flooding.

A Heat Wave prevailed on June 5 of 2021 across much of Minnesota. Dozens of climate states reported record-setting high maximum temperatures with most readings in the 90s F. Climate observers in 14 counties reported afternoon temperatures of 100°F or greater. The overnight low temperature at MSP was record-setting warm too at 78°F.

Outlook:

Very warm over the weekend with some chances for showers and thunderstorms in central and northern portions of Minnesota later on Sunday and into Monday.. Continued very warm weather next week, with chances for showers statewide on Monday and then again Wednesday and Thursday. Dew points will be much higher.