Forecast Shows Thunderstorms, 50 Degrees. This Isn't Surprising

TWIN CITIES, MN — Mere days after a gigantic snowstorm, temperatures are forecast to rise into the 50s in the Twin Cities Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms. While this is certainly odd weather for December in Minnesota, it shouldn't come as a shock.

Minnesota's climate is changing. Our winters are getting warmer. There are fewer chances for residents to enjoy the outdoor sports and activities that make our state special, thanks to greenhouse gas emissions blanketing the Earth and trapping heat.

New data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finds that Minnesota’s lake ice season decreased by up to 14 days due to climate change, damaging lake and fish health, outdoor sports, and the local economy.

"Minnesota’s ice data reflects the changes that Minnesotans who enjoy our outdoors have already felt," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said in a news release.

"As water and air temperatures continue to rise, we can expect to see more shifts in our native fish species, lake health, and winter recreation. DNR and MPCA have been working on climate strategies, but we know further bold action is needed to mitigate the effect of climate change and help preserve the valuable resources that make Minnesota an enviable place to live."

The average loss of ice duration on popular Minnesota lakes, per MPCA:

• Lake Bemidji: -18.9 days
• Lake Waconia: -14.8 days
• Lake Itasca: -14.0 days
• Lake Washington: -13.7 days
• Detroit Lake: -9.5 days

The state's cold spells — which are necessary for the survival of Minnesota staples such as pond hockey, sledding, snowboarding, and skiing — are becoming rarer.

Olympic gold medalist skier and Afton native Jessie Diggins has spoken publicly about her concern for the future of winter sports due to rapidly rising temperatures.

"Growing up, I didn't play video games. I didn't watch TV. I went and played in the snow," Diggins told the New York Times in 2018.

"I don't want my kids to grow up in a world where they've never experienced snow because we weren't responsible enough."

Find out more on Minnesota's warming winters here.