2024 was warmest year in Minnesota history; coldest was 150 years ago

All 12 months of 2024 on average were warmer than any previous year for Minnesota. This record comes 150 years after Minnesota’s coldest year in state history.

Meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley said that in 1875, the state was feeling the effect of the period known as the Little Ice Age. That period set the stage for the coldest year in state history — with 70 to 80 inches of snow for the year and a long period of freezing-cold temperatures.

“In the Twin Cities record, we had 80 — 80 consecutive days — below freezing,” Seeley said. “When you think about how pioneer citizens lived in 1875, putting up with that kind of cold, they must have had to devote most of their daily routine to just surviving and staying warm.”

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Seeley about the record warmth and cold in their weekly weather chat. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

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