MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner discusses the latest research on our changing climate and the consequences we’re seeing here in Minnesota and worldwide. Hear Climate Cast each Thursday on MPR’s 

Paul Huttner

Author

Ngoc Bui

Matthew Alvarez

Gretchen Brown

MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner discusses the latest research on our changing climate and the consequences we’re seeing here in Minnesota and worldwide.


MPR News

Featured Collection

How climate change is driving up the cost of home insurance

The escalating costs of climate disasters continues to affect home insurance. Jordan Haedtler, climate financial policy strategist with Climate Cabinet based in Duluth, explains the rising cost in homeowner insurance. 


How climate change is driving up the cost of home insurance 

A new forecast model that uses AI could improve flood predictions for rivers like the Mississippi. Zac McEachran, a research hydrologist from the University of Minnesota, explains the model. 

AI tool may improve Mississippi flood forecasting

A new forecast model that uses AI could improve flood predictions for rivers like the Mississippi. Zac McEachran, a research hydrologist from the University of Minnesota, explains the model. 


AI tool may improve flood forecasting for Mississippi and other rivers

Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Kristoffer Tigue talked on Climate Cast about warmer winters and an increase in precipitation and melting.

Climate change is reshaping Minnesota winters

In Minnesota, climate change is most evident in winter. Reporter Kristoffer Tigue explained that the state is experiencing warmer winters, an increase in precipitation and melting. Tigue wrote about the many ways Minnesotans are seeing climate change — from warmer falls, to a lack of foliage color and wildfire smoke.


For Minnesota, warmer winters do not mean the end of snow

Winter has warmed more than 5 degrees since the 1970s, but that doesn’t mean less snow for the state. State climatologist Kenneth Blumenfeld explained the connection between an increase in snowfall and higher global temperatures on Climate Cast.


Minnesota’s carbon-free electricity goal will have significant impacts on parts of the state where coal is a major player in the economy. Itasca County Commissioner John Johnson spoke to Paul Huttner about how his corner of northern Minnesota is planning for that transition.

Climate Cast: Itasca County looks toward a coal-free economy

Minnesota’s carbon-free electricity goal will have significant impacts on parts of the state where coal is a major player in the economy. Itasca County Commissioner John Johnson spoke to Paul Huttner about how his corner of northern Minnesota is planning for that transition.


Itasca County looks toward a coal-free economy

Trees are sensitive to microclimates, and you can alleviate stress on trees even in your own yard. Tyler Hasseltine is an arborist who works with trees all year long. He talked to Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about how even small landscaping decisions can have a big impact on tree health.

Want healthy trees? Pay attention to microclimates

Tyler Hasseltine is an arborist who works with trees all year long. He talked to Climate Cast host Paul Huttner about how even small landscaping decisions can have a big impact on tree health. 


Minnesota may be a long way from the ocean, but we have great seafood options. A new cookbook called “The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future” has seafood ideas for the eco-minded. Minnesota native and four-time James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern co-wrote the book with seafood expert Barton Seaver. Zimmern shared some tips and recipe ideas with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner.

Climate Cast: New cookbook offers sustainable seafood recipes

How can we choose and prepare seafood that’s delicious and climate sustainable? “The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future” has some ideas.


New cookbook offers tips for sustainable seafood choices and recipes

How should Minnesota approach climate change action in the years to come?You can have a voice in that process by commenting on the state's latest proposed Climate Action Framework, a comprehensive plan laying out steps Minnesota should take to address climate change and reach a carbon-free future. The last framework was released in 2022 and established a statewide target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This was adopted into state law in 2023. Kate Knuth, climate director for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, shared more about the framework and how people can get involved on this week’s Climate Cast.

State asks for public input on updating climate action plan

Minnesota has a new draft for its climate action framework and wants the public to weigh in on how the state should approach addressing climate change in the years to come.


Minnesota asks for public input on new climate action plan

A new report from the Environmental Working Group shows the use of nitrogen fertilizer to grow corn year after year on the same land results in a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Anne Schechinger is lead author of the analysis and shared more about the findings as well as solutions to offset the climate impacts of continuous corn with Climate Cast host Paul Huttner.

Report: Corn fertilizer is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions

A new report from the Environmental Working Group shows the use of nitrogen fertilizer to grow corn year after year on the same land results in a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.


MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner talks to Lynn Schofield, a biologist at St. Olaf College, about the impact climate change is having on bird migration.

Warmer winters add challenges for migrating birds

MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner talks to Lynn Schofield, a biologist at St. Olaf College, about the impact climate change is having on bird migration.


Climate Cast ®

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Updraft® is your source for Minnesota forecasts and insights from our expert meteorologists, Paul Huttner, Sven Sundgaard and Mandy Thalhuber.

MPR News brings you the latest weather outlook, across all of Minnesota, so you can be better prepared for your day.

Get in-depth Minnesota weather forecasts with Updraft® by MPR News. Stay updated with the latest from our meteorologists.

Tuesday is a touch cooler than Monday, then we’ll enter a stretch of highs above freezing. Warm air leads to a mix of rain and snow in the region Thursday night.


Melty days ahead with a mix of rain and snow Christmas night

Watch for some potential slick spots early Monday. Mild air moves in and remains through the week. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday night into Friday. 


Mild air moves back in for the week ahead 

After a brief period of wintry weather through Monday morning, temperatures will trend much milder leading up to Christmas.


Wintry mix possible through Monday morning 

A cold start marks the winter solstice, but a much milder weather pattern is building in for the days ahead. A minor winter system arrives Sunday night with a chance for a wintry mix.


Cold winter solstice morning gives way to a milder pattern for Christmas

Flurries fade early, giving way to a breezy and chilly Saturday, followed by Sunday’s winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, bringing a warming trend.


Flurries fade as a breezy Saturday takes over 

The weekend feels like winter, but a major thaw is on the weather maps for Christmas week.


Wintry for now, Christmas week thaw ahead

A frigid start to Friday brings wind chills in the teens and 20s below zero. Increasing winds ahead of an approaching warm front will lead to light snow chances Friday night.


Chilly start to Friday with light snow chances

A raging blizzard will gradually fade overnight across much of Minnesota. Wind gusts over 60 mph have been recorded at many locations in western and central Minnesota.


Blizzard fades overnight, wintry weekend ahead; 40 degrees possible by Christmas

Multiple weather hazards are impacting the region this afternoon, with blizzard and winter storm warnings in effect alongside winter weather advisories. Expect strong winds, blowing snow and rapidly falling temperatures.


Winter blast ahead: Strong winds, accumulating snow and freezing temperatures

A winter reality check is here. Temperatures will fall with gusty winds Thursday. We’ll see scattered snow showers also. 


Winter wallop: Falling temps, gusty winds and snow showers

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Stay informed on weather and climate news in Minnesota and beyond. Get the latest updates and expert insights from MPR News.


Tuesday is a touch cooler than Monday, then we’ll enter a stretch of highs above freezing. Warm air leads to a mix of rain and snow in the region Thursday night.

Melty days ahead, mix of rain and snow Christmas night

Watch for some potential slick spots early Monday. Mild air moves in and remains through the week. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday night into Friday. 

Mild air moves back in for the week ahead

Two people died in separate crashes involving semis on Monday morning on icy highways in southern Minnesota, in the wake of freezing rain, sleet and snow overnight.


Weather and Climate News

Two killed in crashes on icy roads after freezing rain in southern Minnesota

Cold solstice morning gives way to milder pattern

Flurries fade as a breezy Saturday takes over

A raging blizzard will gradually fade overnight across much of Minnesota. Wind gusts over 60 mph have been recorded at many locations in western and central Minnesota.

Weather

Latest Updraft®

Melty days ahead with a mix of rain and snow Christmas night

Interactive Radar

Weather News

Melty days ahead with a mix of rain and snow Christmas night

Go Deeper.

Like this?

Ask Sven and Paul — MPR News meteorologists answer your weather- and climate-related questions

Climate Cast®

How climate change is driving up the cost of home insurance

AI tool may improve flood forecasting for Mississippi and other rivers

Climate change is reshaping Minnesota winters