Wait, 50 degrees in February? From 1873to 1990, MSP experienced a 50-degree February day during 43% of years. Since 1991, the metro has hit 50 in February during roughly 60% to 65% of the years.
More perspective: The Twin Cities metro hit 50 in February for six consecutive years between 2014 to 2019. Yes, it can still get (really) cold here, but as the planet warms, 50-degree readings in February are becoming more common. Ask anyone who owns a snowmobile or an icehouse.
Saturday’s record high of 50 (set in 1882) is in danger of being broken. Much of our snow cover has melted, so more of the sun’s energy can go into heating up the air rather than melting snow.
I see 40s today and Friday, with a good shot at 50-plus Saturday into Tuesday of next week. It may rain a little the middle of next week. Colder air returns later this month. According to scientists at Climate Central, the coldest weather of the year is shrinking over time. Cold spells with temperatures below 24 degrees are now 10 days shorter than they were between 1970 and 1997. Looks like a trend.
