Weather chats with Mark Seeley

A snowless November? It's possible but not certain — yet

A mild November sunset
A November sunset at Paul Huttner's Weather Lab.
Paul Huttner

Minnesota marked mid-November with temperatures up to 20 degrees above normal.

“I think we're still running about two to five degrees warmer than normal around the state,” said climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley.

Drought is also expanding with the lack of rainfall and measurable snow. Seeley explained with about 141 years of snowfall climatology in the Twin Cities, November has never been entirely snowless. However, in the years 1928, 1939, 1963 and 2009, only a trace of snow was reported for the entire month.  

The most recent 30-year average for November snowfall in the Twin Cities is 6.8 inches, but four of the last eight Novembers have brought less than 1.25 inches of snowfall.

Seeley’s best guess for snowfall? Between Nov. 26 and 30. 

Until the ground freezes over, Seeley encourages Minnesotans to keep watering their trees. As long as the soil is able to take in water, it’s a good idea

Mark Seeley explained the unseasonably warm November temperatures and the lack of precipitation in his weekly weather chat with Cathy Wurzer. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.