<P> Minnesota has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters . Minnesota's location in the Upper Midwest allows it to experience some of the widest variety of weather in the United States, with each of the four seasons having its own distinct characteristics . The areas near Lake Superior in the Minnesota Arrowhead region experience weather unique from the rest of the state . The moderating effect of Lake Superior keeps the surrounding area relatively cooler in the summer and relatively warmer in the winter, giving that region a smaller yearly temperature range . On the Köppen climate classification, much of the southern third of Minnesota--roughly from the Twin Cities region southward--falls in the hot summer humid continental climate zone (Dfa), and the northern two - thirds of Minnesota falls in the warm summer great continental climate zone (Dfb). </P> <P> Winter in Minnesota is characterized by cold (below freezing) temperatures . Snow is the main form of winter precipitation, but freezing rain, sleet, and occasionally rain are all possible during the winter months . Common storm systems include Alberta clippers or Panhandle hooks; some of which develop into blizzards . Annual snowfall extremes have ranged from over 170 inches (432 cm) in the rugged Superior Highlands of the North Shore to as little as 5 inches (13 cm) in southern Minnesota . Temperatures as low as − 60 ° F (− 51 ° C) have occurred during Minnesota winters . Spring is a time of major transition in Minnesota . Snowstorms are common early in the spring, but by late - spring as temperatures begin to moderate the state can experience tornado outbreaks, a risk which diminishes but does not cease through the summer and into the autumn . </P> <P> In summer, heat and humidity predominate in the south, while warm and less humid conditions are generally present in the north . These humid conditions initiate thunderstorm activity 30--40 days per year . Summer high temperatures in Minnesota average in the mid-80s F (30 ° C) in the south to the upper - 70s F (25 ° C) in the north, with temperatures as hot as 114 ° F (46 ° C) possible . The growing season in Minnesota varies from 90 days per year in the Iron Range to 160 days in southeast Minnesota . Tornadoes are possible in Minnesota from March through November, but the peak tornado month is June, followed by July, May, and August . The state averages 27 tornadoes per year . Minnesota is the driest state in the Midwest . Average annual precipitation across the state ranges from around 35 inches (890 mm) in the southeast to 20 inches (510 mm) in the northwest . Autumn weather in Minnesota is largely the reverse of spring weather . The jet stream--which tends to weaken in summer--begins to re-strengthen, leading to a quicker changing of weather patterns and an increased variability of temperatures . By late October and November these storm systems become strong enough to form major winter storms . Autumn and spring are the windiest times of the year in Minnesota . </P> <P> Because of its location in North America, Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of a continental climate, with cold winters and mild to hot summers in the south and frigid winters and generally cool summers in the north . Each season has distinctive upper air patterns which bring different weather conditions with them . The state is nearly 500 miles (805 km) from any large body of water (with the exception of Lake Superior), and temperatures and precipitation vary widely . It is far enough north to experience − 60 ° F (− 51 ° C) temperatures and blizzards during the winter months, but far enough south to have 114 ° F (46 ° C) temperatures and tornado outbreaks in the summer . The 174 degree Fahrenheit (97 ° C) variation between Minnesota's highest and lowest temperature is the 11th largest variation of any U.S. state, and 3rd largest of any non-mountainous state (behind North Dakota and South Dakota). </P>

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