Winter rain becoming more common in Minnesota

KMSP, Minneapolis, MN - In a week where we are looking forward to another winter thaw, that involves the chance of rain, it is easier to see that rain in the wintertime is becoming more and more a common sight these days. According to several climate surveys, Minnesota is one of the states that has seen a rise in rain and a decrease in snow during the winter months since 1950. Check out the map below courtesy of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which shows, as an orange dot, an increase in winter rain for parts of Minnesota.

The map clearly shows that the Pacific Northwest and the Upper Midwest seeing the biggest decrease in precipitation falling as snow during the winter months since 1950. According to the EPA, reduced snowfall and less snow cover on the ground could diminish the beneficial insulating effects of snow for vegetation  and wildlife, while also affecting water supplies, transportation, cultural practices, travel and recreation for millions of people.