We had our World Wide Views participants consider the following information about Minnesota’s climate:
» The average temperature in Minnesota has risen 2°F in the past century. Warmer winters and higher nighttime minimum temperatures are the principal causes of rising average temperatures.
» We’ve seen a small upward trend in the number of hours each year with tropical dew points (dew point > 70°F), leading to more heat advisories and excessive heat warnings.
» Average annual precipitation (both snow and rain) has increased 5%-15% in most parts of Minnesota above the 1901-1960 average.
» Since 1958, 37% more precipitation falls during very heavy events; in other words, more of our yearly precipitation falls in fewer “extreme” storms.
» For most parts of the state, lake ice is melting earlier (earlier “ice-out” dates). Snow cover is also declining earlier in the spring (less snow on the ground in April).
» Incidences of Lyme disease and West Nile virus are increasing, as ticks and mosquitoes carrying the diseases survive in greater numbers over our warmer winters.
We then asked participants to consider the questions below. Click the question to view participant answers.
- Thinking about the changes in Minnesota’s climate, what concerns you the most?
- What action(s) would you like to see one or more of the following groups or entities take to address changes in our climate?
» You & Your Family
» Residents of Your Community
» Area Businesses
» Local Government
» State Government
» Federal Government