University of Minnesota

Weather

Minnesota weather can be harsh, and the weather on campus is no exception. In the winter, temperatures in the region sometimes dip below −20°F (−29°C), with wind chills perhaps −60°F (−51°C) or lower. Large amounts of snow can fall as well, but the University's Facilities Management team is very proactive about clearing snow quickly.

Related Topics:
F - C - Wind chill - Snow

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It is extremely rare for the University as a whole to have unscheduled closings. Classes were canceled for half a day on September 11, 2001, but the last time the campus had a weather-related closing was January 18, 1994 when then-Governor Arne Carlson ordered the shutdown of state government services throughout Minnesota during a period of extreme cold. However, many individual classes will be canceled by professors and teaching assistants during any given year, and evening courses are not held when Minnesota holds political caucuses.

Related Topics:
September 11, 2001 - January 18 - 1994 - Governor - Arne Carlson - Caucus

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While Minnesota is known for having cold winters, hot summers also occur in the region, and weather varies on a daily basis. The Minneapolis campus largely uses steam heat in the winter and chilled water for cooling in summer, but the campus staff always takes a gamble that weather trends will continue when transitioning between the two modes in spring and fall.

Related Topics:
Steam heat - Chilled water

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One of the main heating plants is located near the Stone Arch Bridge across from downtown. In the first half of the 20th century, it provided electricity for the regional system of streetcars operated by Twin City Rapid Transit and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of that (of course, there are several other registered buildings on campus). It was converted to provide steam after the University acquired it in 1976. When the temperature gets cold, four railroad cars worth of coal can be required each day to keep the campus heated.

Related Topics:
Stone Arch Bridge - 20th century - Electricity - Twin City Rapid Transit - National Register of Historic Places - 1976 - Coal

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