Minnesota state climatologists say 2012 will tie 1931 as the warmest year on record in the Twin Cities.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports it had long appeared that 2012 would be the warmest year on record in the Twin Cities, but wintry weather since Dec. 21 has meant that temperatures have been mostly below normal.
On Monday, the state climatology office said that as a result, the average 2012 temperature in the Twin Cities will be 50.8 degrees -- the same as the 50.8 degrees recorded in 1931 during the Dust Bowl era.
The average annual temperature during the most recent 30-year period from 1981-2010 is 46.3 degrees, so 2012 will finish 4.5 degrees above that normal.
So far, 2013 is off to a frigid start -- but that didn't stop hundreds of people from taking a plunge into Lake Minnetonka despite temperatures barely topping zero.
In fact, the air temperature was below zero when the 23rd annual Alarc Jump began, with the water temperature at 31.7 degrees. That didn't stop nearly 800 people from across the globe from taking a dip to welcome in the New Year.
Organizers said the actual temperature was just 9 degrees when the divers took to the water at 8:30 a.m. near the Bay Side Event Center in Excelsior, Minn.
Some of the participants traveled from Italy, Brazil, Thailand and elsewhere. A total of 21 were given a "shark" status for completing 10 years of dives. Three others were recognized for 20 years of participation.
Several local charities benefit from the annual plunge.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
Flickr/Creative Commons/fozylet
