Parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin are in for a weather triple header tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the first wave of severe storms this evening and tonight followed by dangerous heat on Saturday and then an encore severe weather performance later in the day tomorrow. Conditions are favorable for a potential derecho producing damaging winds across a wide area for a sustained period of time. Stay hydrated and aware of hazardous weather conditions, particularly during the overnight hours in the Twin Cities.
After a glorious summer Sunday, expect a stormy and wet start to the work week. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the potential for severe weather from Monday afternoon into Tuesday. Also, a look at last week’s deadly EF4 tornado in northwestern Minnesota and the history behind a photo and painting depicting a tornado that struck the Little Canada area in 1890.
As heat indices climb into the low 100 degree range, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the Twin Cities metro area and has extended a Heat Advisory into west central Minnesota. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the continued hot, humid conditions and the prospects for severe weather in parts of the state later this afternoon and evening and again on Thursday.
Climatologically speaking, July 4th is frequently hot or stormy or a combination of both. This long holiday weekend is sticking to that trend with the scales tipping in favor of heat, although strong thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, particularly for northern Minnesota. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the recent heavy rains, more steamy days ahead and some major weather events of Fourth of July’s past. Also, Kenny tells us why heat and high humidity do not always result in severe storms.
Some of Minnesota’s most memorable severe weather events have occurred in June, but most of the state is experiencing a dearth of heavy thunderstorms this month. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the relatively storm-free late spring and early summer and the prospects for a hotter, more humid and potentially stormier pattern in the days to come.
The first 15 days of June are the 8th or 9th warmest on record for the Twin Cities, and the next three days will see temperatures hitting the 90s and even low 100s in much of the state. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the unseasonably hot and windy weather ahead and the prospects for heavy rains and severe weather in northwestern Minnesota. Also, a look at a history-making event last week as the remnant eye of tropical storm Cristobal passed over La Crosse, Wisconsin, dropping heavy rains in southeastern Minnesota.
Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss five distinct weather events on tap for the region: severe weather in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota on Sunday night, heat on Monday, a resurgence of severe weather on Monday night, heavy precipitation induced by the passage of the eye of tropical storm Cristobal on Tuesday and more rain on Wednesday. Whew! A veritable weather potpourri!
Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the prospects for severe weather this afternoon and evening in this special update.
Damaging winds and heavy rains are possible in parts of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin this afternoon and evening. There is also a slight risk of tornadoes. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois analyze the conditions that are creating the severe weather threat and discuss the reasons why this system is more potent than the one that failed to spawn dangerous storms on Sunday.
Parts of Minnesota may potentially see two rounds of strong-to-severe thunderstorms tomorrow, the first in the morning and another chance in the late afternoon and evening. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the unsettled weather ahead on Sunday and Monday plus the prospects for hot weather later this coming week.
There’s a warmup on the way, and temperatures in the 80s are on tap for next week. What’s less clear is how much precipitation we’ll get and where it will fall. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the weather pattern change and why there’s so much uncertainty in the forecast models. Also, a look at a recently released climate study that indicates a deadly combination of heat and humidity is threatening to make parts of the Earth uninhabitable at certain times of the year.
We’re in the midst of a dry spell with cooler-than-normal temperatures ahead. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss spring precipitation patterns and look back at the May 6, 1965 tornado outbreak that struck the Twin Cities’ western and northern suburbs, killing 13 people and causing widespread destruction. Read a document produced by the National Weather Service in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event. View radar images of the tornado-producing supercells. Hear WCCO radio’s coverage of the tornadoes courtesy of radiotapes.com.
Do the prospects for mid-to-late spring severe weather outbreaks in Minnesota increase if the Deep South and Plains States experience a more active than usual severe weather season? That’s a question that climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld hopes to answer as he sifts through historical storm data. In this episode, Kenny and Jim du Bois discuss the recent severe weather outbreak in the South featuring a long-track tornado in Mississippi that was at least two miles wide. Also, a look at the conditions that create the potential for severe weather in the midwest, when severe weather is most likely in Minnesota, and why now is the time to think about how you can protect yourself and your family when storms threaten.
A major storm system will spark severe weather in the Deep South and bring snow to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin on Sunday. The Twin Cities may see several inches of accumulation followed by unseasonably cold temperatures throughout the coming week. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the temporary return of winter and why you should pay attention during Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin (April 13-17).
Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the approaching weather system that will bring a wintry mix of precipitation to a wide area of Minnesota on Thursday and Friday. 60 degree temperatures are on tap for early next week. Also, a look at how warmer than average water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico might impact the prospects for severe weather and hurricanes. Finally, a reminder that severe storm season is upon us, and it’s critical to stay weather-alert despite the distractions of the coronavirus crisis.
Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois practice social distancing to discuss a dreary, rainy, snowy, windy and cold start to spring with the prospect for slippery roads as precipitation freezes. Also, Kenny shares a childhood story about warning sirens and tornadoes that relates to the anxiety all of us are feeling right now.
Kenny and Jim celebrate the arrival of meteorological spring on the banks of Minnehaha Creek and discuss the unseasonably warm March weather. Also, a look at the relationship between weather, climate and public health, the potential for spring flooding, deadly tornadoes in Tennessee, and the myth of the high school state tournament snowstorms.
Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss common weather lore and myths, debunking some and giving a qualified nod to others. Also, a look back at the recent cold snap, the prospects for spring flooding and and the potential for stormy weather next week.
It’s not your imagination. The Sun made its fewest January appearances since the State Climatology Office began taking solar observations in 1963. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss this dubious new record, near record-breaking highs and warmest low temperatures this past weekend, the impact of a mild winter on recreational activities, and why making long-range predictions is challenging for rodents like Punxsutawney Phil as well as human forecasters.
Last week’s winter storm failed to produce the expected snowfall amounts in much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities. Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld and Jim du Bois discuss the “busted forecast” and how an unforeseen dry slot reduced precipitation. Also, a look at the over-reliance on forecast models, public frustration when forecasts go wrong, and the risks of trying to predict a weather event with too much precision. And there’s good news ahead; today is the last day of unseasonably cold weather for at least the rest of the month.