Twin Cities Record Sixth-Hottest Summer as Drought Expands

The Twin Cities have recorded their sixth-hottest meteorological summer in 153 years of recordkeeping.

Temperatures from June through August averaged three degrees above normal. The metro recorded 17 days with temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees.

The heat extended across Minnesota, although preliminary statewide figures are expected to rank the summer among the 20 warmest—not sixth overall.

Dry conditions were also widespread. The final summer update from the U.S. Drought Monitor classified 78 percent of Minnesota in moderate drought or worse, with nearly half the state experiencing severe drought.

The Twin Cities finished the season more than five inches below normal rainfall. The prolonged heat and rainfall deficits also dried vegetation and contributed to elevated wildfire conditions.