Independence Day 2009 -- National Weather Service Chanhassen
Taken from the Chanhassen National Weather Service Office.
The Fourth of July Holiday normally features temperatures between 80° and 85°, with lows ranging from the upper 50s to low 60s across central and south central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin. Precipitation has also occurred on about 40 percent of Independence days throughout the historical climate record. While this afternoon will not see any rain, there is a chance later tonight with the approach of a cool front from the northwest. Last year [2008] saw a humid July 4th, with a high of 85° and a balmy low of 73° in the Twin Cities. To reflect just how moist the atmosphere was last year [2008] on July 4th, the precipitable water (2.26") measured on that morning's balloon launch from our office in Chanhassen was one of the highest on record in Minnesota (1948-present). There were also areas of showers and thunderstorms during that morning. More memorable Independence days, weather-wise, include:
- 1999: Destructive winds ravaged the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Nineteen people were injured, and millions of trees were downed.
- 1972: Record low temperatures in the 40's were set in many locations
- 1967: Record cold low and high temperatures set across much of the area
- 1900: Over 2 inches of rain fell in the Twin Cities and Eau Claire
Historical Fourth of July Temperature and Precipitation Highlights