Winter storm warnings in northern Minnesota

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Climate scientists agree climate change has had two main impacts on Minnesota: It's warmer and more rain falls in big storms. And those effects are more pronounced here than in most other states.

Climate Change in Minnesota: An MPR News special report

The average temperature in Minnesota has risen about a half degree per decade since 1970, which is when scientists noticed a more pronounced upward trend. That's higher than the national average and 19th among the 48 continental states.

For a calculator that looks closely at each state, use 

 (Note that Climate Central is still updating its numbers to reflect 2014 calculations.)

The amount of rain that falls in big storms has risen by about 37 percent in Minnesota since 1958.  That figure matches the increase for the Midwest as a whole. It is less than the figure for the northeastern region of the United States but greater than every other part of the country.

Minnesota state climatologist Greg Spoden puts both these phenomenon in perspective:

State climatologist on mega-rains and rising temperatures

Environmental News

Climate

It's warmer in Minnesota, and more rain falls in big storms. Those effects are more pronounced than in most other states.

Minnesota's place on the climate change map

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