In February 2021, the Twin Cities was at or below zero for 116 hours, the longest such period since 1994. That was just the beginning of a year of strange weather in Minnesota.
A severe early June heat wave set the stage for a summer of intense drought for large swaths of the state. Wildfires in Canada – and, later, in the state's Arrowhead region – in July and August spread a dangerously smoky haze as far south as the metro area. The drought eased in some areas in late August, but has continued in the northern part of the state into 2022.
In mid-December, a powerful cyclone pushed a wave of warm air north, resulting in a springlike 58-degree day, strong thunderstorms and a series of never-before-seen late-season tornadoes across southeastern Minnesota. The unusual warmth melted several inches of snow that had fallen only the week before – the fastest snowmelt in Twin Cities history. The year ended with plummeting temperatures. Strange indeed.
Precipitation and snowfall
With only a few exceptions, monthly precipitation and snowfall was consistently below average – sometimes significantly.
High, low and in between
Nearly every month in 2021 was warmer than the 30-year average. While April and May were the closest to normal, June and October were both 7 degrees over average.
Month-by-month
JANUARY
Unusually warm: It was one of the warmest Januaries in state history, especially Up North. Apart from a slushy mid-month snowfall, it was drier, too – a theme for 2021.
FEBRUARY
The chill returns: Temps fell well below average. Ely set a statewide record low of -50°F on the 13th, and Valentine's Day was the coldest day of the year at MSP – for the second year in a row.
MARCH
Unpredictable: This month has a reputation for weirdness, and we got it about halfway through. Around the state, hail, rain, snow and a tornado watch made our heads spin.
APRIL
About as expected: Average as heck, with the wind and clouds. Several counties in northern and western Minnesota were already drought-stricken, despite some rain.
MAY
Split-rain state: Paltry rainfall in northwestern and north-central Minnesota pushed 18 counties into moderate drought. Meanwhile, above-average rain fell in the southeast.
JUNE
Drought worsens: The second-warmest June in state history (Duluth's warmest ever), behind Dust Bowl-era 1933. With little rain, 82% of the state was in moderate drought.
JULY
It is the heat: Heat advisories, meager rain and frequently poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke made for an uncomfortable month.
AUGUST
Trouble Up North: This month wrapped the hottest summer since 1988, especially Up North, where wildfires in the Arrowhead and Ontario didn't help. Rainfall was mixed.
SEPTEMBER
Rain reprieve: More precipitation meant the drought retreated slightly, but about half the state remained in extreme or severe drought. Four EF-0 tornadoes were reported mid-month.
OCTOBER
Drought recovery: Despite warmer-than-usual temps (again), increased rainfall pulled many areas out of drought, leaving the smallest amount affected in months.
NOVEMBER
End of fall: Although temperatures were a little above normal statewide, the north and western areas of Minnesota continued to get extra, much-needed rainfall.
DECEMBER
Going out with a twist: Minnesota's first-ever recorded December tornadoes sure were surprising, but several cities also reported their snowiest December ever.
Download previous years' weather poster
2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020

C.J. Sinner is the Director of Graphics and Data Visuals at the Star Tribune, managing a small team that works at the intersection of data and design to help enhance storytelling on all platforms through charts, maps and diagrams. 

612-673-4387

Mark Boswell is Deputy News Graphics Director at the Star Tribune and has over 30 years experience as a visual journalist, illustrator and writer.

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