Amazing October: But changes on the way

We're leading charmed weather lives in the Upper Midwest these days.

Roses are in full bloom at the Huttner Weather Lab on October 19th.

The (last?) batch of October roses from the weather lab garden.

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Our mild October continues the string of warmth that really began in March this year. Temperatures have been significantly warmer than average in Minnesota for 7 of the past 8 months. Only September came in close to average at -0.8°F.

Vibrant fall colors have been easy to enjoy this year.

If October ended today, our average monthly temperature of 58.2°F would make this the 2nd warmest October on record in the Twin Cities. Temperatures are running +6.4°F for the month to date.

Our average first 32° reading at Twin Cities Airport is October 7th. So far the coldest temp has been 38° on October 3rd. It looks like it could be another week before the first widespread killing frost in the Twin Cities, a full three weeks later than average.

October 2009 brought cold and snow to Minnesota. It was the 7th snowiest October on record with 2.8" falling at Twin Cities Airport. Last year I was scarping snow off the weather lab deck in October. It's a stark reminder of how fickle October weather can be in Minnesota.

Snow clad weather lab deck chairs in October 2009.

Pattern change ahead:

The weather maps are showing signs of the inevitable plunge into much colder weather by late next week. Temperatures may run 15 to 20 degrees colder, with highs only in the 30s and 40s statewide by Halloween weekend. Trick or Treat weather may feature a distinct chill in the air this year in Minnesota.

With 60s in the forecast for most of this week, I strongly encourage everyone to enjoy this (last?) spell of late season warmth.

PH