This year, Minnesota has received a large amount of snow and winter still survives in most areas. However, this large amount of snow fall and long winter is not uncharacteristic of Minnesota.

 The longest winter in Minnesota last nearly 7 months in 1899, with an average temperature of -39 degrees Fahrenheit. This year, Minnesota’s winter began shortly after the season’s first snowfall (a minimal snowfall on October 6^th, 2012) and still continues to this current time. This winter has been extremely long, but thankfully, hasn’t been the longest in Minnesota history. 

While the amount of time that Minnesota has seemed to have winter is extremely long; the amount of snow is not as bad as it may seem. Minnesota has had years with many inches of snow (98.6 inches in 1983-1984) and years with very little snow (14.2 in. in 1930-31). The average in Minnesota is 50.6 inches. So far this year, the snowfall totals to about 51.8 inches. The 2012-2013 snowfall began on October 6^th 2012 with a sprinkle so minimal it could not be measured, but it was the beginning for a very large year of snowfall. The average first snowfall is November 3^rd.  The earliest snowfall in all Minnesota history is in September 24, 1985. These dates show that year’s snowfall is before the average, but not by an extreme amount. 

So, if you are living in Minnesota, remember that this year is not that bad. If you feel that it really stinks and it should be warmer, next time you see a politician, ask them where the Global Warming is.