La Niña Creates Uncertainty For Central Minnesota Fall Forecast

(KNSI) – The National Weather Service Twin Cities office says September will start off hot, but it’s too early to predict with certainty that all of fall will follow suit in St. Cloud.

Meteorologist Caleb Grunzke says he would lean warmer for the period from September 1st to November 30th, but only slightly. “It’s favored to be above normal, but it’s not a high chance. I’ll put it that way.”

The weather is being affected by a La Niña pattern, which has some gray areas surrounding it. Speaking about central Minnesota, Grunzke says models are also inconclusive for precipitation.

Grunzke believes the further south you go in the country, the greater the certainty. “It’s more across the southern US, like New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, where the higher chances for decreased rainfall are expected.”

Minnesota will enter meteorological fall, which starts Sunday, with about 12.5% of the state rated abnormally dry. Our region is not dealing with any drought and was hit with another round of storms on Thursday.

The NWS accurately said prior to summer that La Niña would mean hot weather on the coasts with ridges struggling to form in Minnesota. Minneapolis has seen only seven 90-degree days in 2024, significantly below average.

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