Minnesota is an interesting state in terms of the weather. Locals say there are polarities in the weather in that the summers are extremely hot and humid, while the winters see temperatures dropping way below zero. The state’s location in America’s upper midwest means that it has diverse and varying temperatures so you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. It does experience four seasons but spring and fall are both brief and fleeting in comparison to the summer and winter.
However, what’s particularly intriguing is that the area around Lake Superior experiences vastly different kinds of temperatures than other areas. Since the Lake has a moderating effect, this leads to the area around it being more balanced. The summers are cooler and the winters are warmers and hence there is a less drastic temperature range. It’s a different story in other parts of the state, where you can experience both dire humidity and terrible snowstorms in summer and winter respectively.
Keep reading to learn some unique facts about Minnesota’s unusual weather conditions.
Facts About the Weather in Minnesota
#1: The Hottest Temperature
Talk about sweating it all out! The city of Moorhead, Minnesota saw the hottest temperatures on record in 1936. The temperature was 114 F, which means you would definitely have had to switch on the air conditioning, had there been any readily available. Alternatively, the coldest temperature ever was noted in the same year in Tower, Minnesota. The temperature was -60 F, showing that blizzards, snowstorms, freezing rain, and sleet are all normal in Minnesota winter.
#2: Average Temperature
If you want to find the most moderate temperature in the state, you can head on down to Winona. This is essentially the warmest location in the state and you will experience the highest average annual temperature. This means you won’t have to suffer through extreme heat or cold and can just enjoy a nice time, whether this is indoors or outdoors.
#3: Tornado Time
Minnesota experiences its fair share of tornadoes so be warned! Historically and statistically, the most tornadoes occur in June, so stay safe during this time. There is no knowing how or when a tornado will arrive and it’s best to be safe during it. The earliest verified tornado occurred in March, however, and it arrived just north of Truman. The most recent one dropped in November in Maple Plan. As you can see, the frequency with which tornadoes arrive is alarming, so make sure you have some precautions in place.
#4: Summer Months
Rainfall is extremely common in Minnesota, especially in the summer months. Specifically, the hot months of June, July, August, and September account for more than half of the year precipitation total across the state. Therefore, if you’re in the state during this time, make sure to carry an umbrella with you whenever possible. Otherwise, you’re in for a wet spell!
#5: Bugged Out
Minnesota sees a lot of humidity in the summer. This means that bugs and pests are extremely common. If you’re out for a stroll in the summer heat, don’t be surprised if you feel something biting you. The mosquito is often referred to as “Minnesota’s Unofficial State Bird” because there are so many of them and they swarm. Although, the State bird of Minnesota is the loon. Minnesota is home to at least 28 different species of mosquitoes and all of these are ready to bite humans at any time.
While the weather in Minnesota is certainly someone will never forget, don’t forget to read more Minnesota facts and learn more about the land of 10,000 lakes.