Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states in the U.S., according to a new study by a climate group.
The study by Climate Central, which advocates for lower carbon emissions, found Minnesota ranked as the ninth-fastest-warming state when looking at the past 100 years of data from 1,221 weather stations across the continental U.S. The state has warmed by 0.23 degrees per decade over that time.
When warming accelerated nationwide during the period from 1970 to 2011, Minnesota ranked third, warming by an average of 0.62 degrees per decade, according to the study.
“A big part of this is a lack of cold in the winter,” said assistant state climatologist Pete Boulay. “We haven’t had cold winters of significance (in recent years).”
A major driver in the warmer winters is a lack of snow cover, Boulay said.
Looking at the rise in only low temperatures, Minnesota ranks third since 1912 and first since 1970, according to the study, which was released Tuesday, June 12.
Looking at the rise in only high temperatures, the state ranks 19th since 1912 and 16th since 1970.
The study shows Wisconsin ranked 16th in warming over the past 100 years and fourth since 1970.
The study found the fastest-warming states to be Rhode Island over the 100-year period and Arizona since 1970.
The only states to show cooling in the 100 years were Arkansas, Georgia and Alabama, according to the study, which shows all states experienced warming since 1970.
Overall, the continental U.S. has warmed by 1.3 degrees over the past 100 years, according to the study.
For more from the study, go to climatecentral.org/news/the-heat-is-on.
Andy Rathbun can be reached at 651-228-2121. Follow him at twitter.com/andyrathbun.