A monthly electronic newsletter summarizing Minnesota's climate conditions and the resulting impact on water resources. Distributed on the first Thursday of the month.
State Climatology Office - DNR Division of Ecological and Water Resources, St. Paul
distributed: July 3, 2014 (updated April 30, 2020)
What happened in June 2014:
- June precipitation amounts across Minnesota were extremely heavy. The final totals are yet to be compiled. However, it is certain that the state-averaged monthly rainfall total will top eight inches. This will make June 2014 Minnesota's wettest June, and wettest month, of the modern record. Numerous locations set single-station June monthly rainfall records. A great many communities reported more than 10 inches of rain for the month, well over double the historical June average. [see: June 2014 Precipitation Total Map | June 2014 Precipitation Departure Map | June 2014 Precipitation Rank Map | June 2014 Climate Summary Table]
- The impacts of the heavy June rainfall were apparent: flooded farm fields and delayed field work, flooded homes, mudslides and overtopped roads leading to transportation disruptions, and negative consequences for outdoor activities including construction and outdoor recreation. Governor Dayton declared a State of Emergency in 35 Minnesota counties on June 19. As of this posting, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA are conducting damage assessments.
- Numerous heavy rain events occurred during the month of June. In addition to record-breaking monthly precipitation totals, a number of locations recorded single-day rainfall records on various dates throughout the first three weeks of the month. Many observers reported measurable rainfall on over half of the days of June.
- Average monthly temperatures for June in Minnesota were very close to historical averages at most locations. The ever-present cloudiness during the month led to elevated overnight temperatures, but lower daytime maximum temperatures. Extremes for June ranged from a high of 90 degrees F at some west central and southwest Minnesota stations on the 20th, to a low of 32 degrees F at Embarrass (St. Louis County) on the 13th.
Where we stand now:
- Precipitation totals since April 1 are far above historical averages everywhere in Minnesota. For large portions of the state, season-to-date precipitation totals rank above the 99th percentile when compared with the historical database for the April-through-June time period. It was Minnesota's third consecutive year where the growing season began with exceptionally high precipitation totals. In the Twin Cities, June 2014 extended a remarkably wet start to the calendar year. The January 1-through-June 30 precipitation total (25.83 inches) in the Twin Cities was the highest of the 144-year record, and surpassed the previous mark by over three inches.
- The U. S. Drought Monitor, released on July 3, shows no locations within Minnesota with a drought designation. The June 19, 2014 release of the Drought Monitor marked the first time that all of Minnesota was declared drought-free since July 21, 2011. The U. S. Drought Monitor index is a blend of science and subjectivity where drought categories (Moderate, Severe, etc.) are based on several indicators.
- The U.S. Geological Survey and DNR Ecological and Water Resources report that stream discharge values are very high at all Minnesota monitoring locations. Minor to moderate flooding is underway at some locales.
- Water levels on many Minnesota lakes responded markedly upward to June's large rainfall totals. In some cases, high water led to inundated structures.
- In their June 30 report, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service reported that topsoil moisture was 100% Adequate to Surplus across Minnesota. Field work was severely curtailed and crop conditions negatively impacted by the wet June.
- The potential for wildfires is currently rated by DNR Forestry as Low across Minnesota.
Future prospects:
- The July precipitation outlook offers equal chances of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal conditions throughout Minnesota. July precipitation normals range from just over three inches in far northwest Minnesota to over four inches in eastern sections of the state.
- The July temperature outlook tilts towards below-normal conditions across most of Minnesota. Normal July high temperatures are in the low to mid-80s. Normal July lows are around 60 degrees. July is historically the warmest month of the year in Minnesota.
- The 90-day precipitation outlook for July through September offers equal chances of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal conditions in most Minnesota counties, with a tilt towards above-normal precipitation in northwest Minnesota. The July through September temperature projection leans towards below-normal conditions statewide.
From the author:
- none
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Pete Boulay, DNR Climatologist