MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Twin Cities Records Fifth-Warmest Meteorological Summer on Record

Summer 2026 averaged 74.7 degrees and ended with one of the driest Augusts recorded in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 2, 2026) The Twin Cities has officially completed one of its warmest meteorological summers on record, with persistent heat accompanied by unusually dry conditions late in the season.

The average temperature during June, July and August was 74.7 degrees.

That tied 2023 for the fifth-warmest meteorological summer recorded in the Twin Cities.

The region also recorded 18 days with temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees during 2026.

August was especially dry.

Only 0.46 inches of rain was recorded during the month, making it the fourth-driest August on record for the Twin Cities.

The combination of heat and limited rainfall contributed to deteriorating drought conditions around Minnesota and prompted state forestry officials to urge residents to provide supplemental water to stressed trees.

Meteorological summer ends August 31 rather than on the autumnal equinox, allowing weather agencies to compare complete three-month seasonal periods.

September began on another warm note, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees in parts of the metropolitan area.

The summer statistics provide broader context for the drought and water-security concerns that developed across Minnesota during August.

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