Weather and climate in Minnesota: Cold winters with heavy snowfall. Hot, humid summers. Spring thunderstorms common. Fall temperatures vary widely. Tornado risk during spring/summer. Nordic climate influences. Lake effect snow possible. Long winter duration. Seasonal temperature fluctuations. High summer humidity levels.
Cold winters with heavy snowfall.
Minnesota's winters are characterized by cold temperatures and increasing heavy snowfall, with some areas experiencing record-high snowfall events, although the snow often melts faster due to more frequent winter thaw events and warmer temperatures. The state, especially Northern Minnesota, sees significant snowfall, with areas like Duluth receiving over 70 inches of snow annually, and occasional blizzards and lake-effect snow from Lake Superior. For more details on this climatic phenomenon, you can explore Minnesota's changing winter patterns and their implications.
Hot, humid summers.
Minnesota experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often peaking in the upper 80s and lower 90s, and dew points rising to the upper 60s and lower 70s, leading to extended periods of steamy days. This summer pattern is characterized by hazy and humid conditions, with the potential for smoky skies due to wildfires in neighboring regions. For more detailed updates on the summer heat and humidity, visit the Minnesota Weather forecast page, where you can find comprehensive information to help you stay prepared.
Spring thunderstorms common.
Spring in Minnesota is characterized by an increasing frequency of thunderstorms, with an average of three days with thunderstorms in April and six such days in May, as the jet stream moves northward and surface lows track further north, leading to more severe weather conditions. For more detailed information on Minnesota's spring weather patterns, visit the National Weather Service website.
Fall temperatures vary widely.
Fall temperatures in Minnesota vary widely, with a notable period of clear skies and tranquil weather in late September and early October, characterized by cooler nights and warmer days, but this is followed by a transition to more variable and often colder conditions by mid to late October. Additionally, recent trends show that Septembers in Minnesota have been consistently warmer than average, contributing to a broader pattern of increasing fall temperatures. For more details on this climatic phenomenon, you can visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Tornado risk during spring/summer.
In Minnesota, the majority of tornadoes occur during the spring and summer months, with almost 75% happening in May, June, and July. The most likely time for a tornado is between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. For more detailed advice on how to stay safe during these turbulent times, residents can refer to the Minnesota Tornado Tips available online. This resource provides essential guidance to help you prepare and respond effectively when faced with the threat of a tornado.
Nordic climate influences.
Minnesota's climate is characterized by a humid continental climate with significant Nordic influences, featuring cold winters and hot summers, with the moderating effect of Lake Superior keeping the surrounding area relatively cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The state experiences wide temperature variations, with cold winters and occasional extreme weather events like blizzards and tornadoes, reflecting its continental climate location.
Lake effect snow possible.
Lake effect snow in Minnesota is possible, particularly in areas near Lake Superior, such as the North Shore and Duluth, where cold air moving over the relatively warm lake water can produce significant snowfall. This phenomenon is enhanced by northerly winds that push the snow onto the southern shore, resulting in heavy snowfall in these regions. For more detailed information, you can visit the National Weather Service website.
Long winter duration.
In a typical year, Minnesota's winter, defined by cold and snowy conditions, lasts from November into March or even April. However, the winter of 2023-24 was exceptionally short, with most of Minnesota experiencing only about 2-3 weeks of winter-like conditions, and some of that occurring around Halloween. For more details on this unusual climate event, you can explore the full analysis on the Lost Winter 2023-24 page.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Minnesota experiences a Humid Continental Climate with significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, ranging from average temperatures of 13°F (-11°C) in January to 73°F (23°C) in July. The state is known for its cold winters characterized by below-freezing temperatures and hot, humid summers. The temperature extremes are marked by possible lows of -60°F (-51.1°C) in winter and highs of 114°F (46°C) in summer. For more information, visit the article on the Climate Of Minnesota on Wikipedia.
High summer humidity levels.
In Minnesota, summer humidity levels are notably high, especially in the morning hours. For example, in July, morning humidity averages range from 80% in Minneapolis & St. Paul to 88% in St. Cloud, while afternoon humidity levels are generally lower, ranging from 50% to 56% across different regions. For more detailed information, you can visit the Current Results Weather and Science Facts website.