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The days are not repeating even though this Groundhog Day may feel like the previous weeks with continuing warmth. 

The start of February won’t change much from the new normal this winter as January concluded with a statewide average of 24 degrees Fahrenheit above usual.  

According to Mark Seeley, climatologist and meteorologist with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership program, we’ve reached the half-way point of winter and by this same time 28 years ago, it was the coldest day in Minnesota. The city of Tower set a state record of -60 degrees.

But as a contrast, this January has been within the top 10 warmest ever for Minnesota. And combined with December’s numbers, this season is 

warmest meteorological winter in Minnesota history.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer went over the warm winter and much more to expect in February with Seeley in their weekly weather chat. 

Listen to the full conversation using the audio player above.

Weather and Climate News

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Weather chats with Mark Seeley

Cathy Wurzer

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Lukas Levin

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Almost 30 years ago to the date, Tower set a state record for the coldest day in Minnesota, making it more than 90 degrees below freezing. Now, we’re experiencing the state’s warmest meteorological winter. 

Groundhog Day marks middle of winter and sees a repeat of unusual warmth

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Groundhog Day marks middle of winter and sees a repeat of unusual warmth

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