Thu Jan 02 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Minnesota’s Wild 2024: Extreme Weather Dominates the Year

**MINNEAPOLIS, MN** – Minnesota experienced a year of unprecedented weather extremes in 2024, ranging from record-breaking rainfall and flooding to a severe lack of winter and a flash drought. KARE 11 meteorologist Ben Dery highlighted the top five weather events that impacted the state:

**1. Devastating Summer Floods (June 22-25):** Excessive rainfall in late spring and early summer caused major flooding across Minnesota, from St. Paul to Silver Bay. The flooding resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of a family-owned store in southern Minnesota after the Blue Earth River overflowed, prompting Governor Tim Walz to declare a peacetime emergency and deploy the National Guard.

**2. State Fair Windstorm (August 26):** Wind speeds exceeding 60 mph the night before the Minnesota State Fair forced a two-hour delay in opening. The storm caused damage to the fairgrounds, including fallen trees and power outages impacting vendors and attendees. One employee sustained minor injuries. The Happy Together Grandstand show was cancelled.

**3. Unprecedented Lack of Winter (January & February):** Unseasonably warm temperatures led to the cancellation of several winter events, including the Wayzata Chilly Open golf tournament on Lake Minnetonka and portions of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race and Minneapolis’ Pre-Loppet. Forest ecologist Lee Frelich expressed concern about the long-term impact on Minnesota’s trees.

**4. Flash Drought (Late Summer/Autumn):** Following record warmth in winter and heavy rainfall in spring and summer, Minnesota experienced a rapid onset flash drought by October. The National Weather Service reported minimal precipitation, with much of the state classified as abnormally dry.

**5. Massive Hailstorm (July 31):** A powerful storm system brought baseball-sized hail to parts of Minnesota. One hailstone measured a staggering 6 inches in diameter. The storm caused significant damage and contributed to insurance hikes due to the increased frequency of severe hailstorms in recent years.

The unusual weather patterns of 2024 underscore the increasing volatility of Minnesota’s climate and raise concerns about the long-term consequences for the state’s environment and economy.

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