Odd Climate Pattern in 2009 Continues

The oddity of our 2009 climate pattern across Minnesota is evident when we examine the historical rankings of temperature and precipitation quantities over the past several months.

First off, the summer months, June through August, were quite cool, ranking as the 7th coolest summer on a statewide basis, and the coolest since that of 2004. Dry weather was a dominant climate signature of this summer as well. On a statewide basis it ranked 23rd driest, with many eastern counties designated to be in severe or extreme drought at times.

The summer was followed by the 6th warmest month of September in state history, and the warmest since that of 1998. This proved to be an advantage for Minnesota crops, as most were allowed to mature before a hard freeze came.

The unusually warm September has been followed by a rare wet and cold October. So far this month ranks as the 5th coldest October in history on a statewide basis, with a low of 11 degrees F reported at Brimson. In addition it is the 9th wettest October in history with some areas reporting over 7 inches of precipitation so far.

What will November bring? A reversal or a continuation......let's hope for a reversal in our weather pattern and an Indian Summer.