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Transition into the cold
By Bob Cashel
Worthington Daily Globe
Text version of this story

Get those winter coats out of mothballs and into the front of the closet -- November is a month of great temperature transitions.

Never mind that those fearless forecasters for "The Old Farmer's Almanac" predict November temperatures will be slightly warmer than usual in this region.

In the language of Minnesota's Ojibwa Indians, the November moon is called Gashkadino Giziz or Freezing Moon. The moon will be full on Nov. 19, and that title, "Freezing Moon" is no joke.

Average daytime high temperatures generally drop from 50 degrees at the start of the month to only 28 degrees at month's end. Average overnight low temperatures plunge from 29 degrees on Nov. 1 to only 12 degrees by Nov. 30.

"Sunshine declines markedly from the first to the 16th, from nearly 45 percent to less than 35 percent," is the report from Bruce F. Watson, veteran Minnesota weather-watcher. "With the arrival of the first snow cover, usually around mid-month, a layer of low stratus clouds rules so that little sun is seen after the 16th."

One November weather event has occurred so regularly that it has earned the title, "The Thanksgiving Day Storm.'' It usually occurs between Nov. 22 and 28.

Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 28 this year, so be alert for announcements regarding storms that could interrupt travel plans.

The usual November snowfall total, based on official weather records for this area since 1972, is 6.2 inches. Greatest monthly snowfall totals in the past 30 years is 19.5 inches, received in 1983.

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Last updated: February 1, 2006