April 20, 2006

'Minnesota Weather Almanac' educates, entertains

University of Minnesota Extension Service climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley has written a new book that began hitting the shelves in April.

Minnesota Weather Almanac is equal parts entertainment and education as it helps Minnesotans better understand the state's complex weather systems.

Seeley has created a complete guide to Minnesota weather that references nearly two centuries of weather-related happenings. Published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press, the book is loaded with historical details, fun facts and scientific lessons about weather in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

A member of the U of M faculty since November 1978, Seeley is widely known for his Friday morning weather commentaries on MPR Radio (91.1 FM). His work with the U includes the creation of educational programs related to weather and climate impacts on agriculture and natural resources. He also operates a network of automated weather stations, most of which are co-located with University research and outreach centers.

In his book, Seeley shares stories from weather stations around the state. He also reviews some of the most significant weather-related events from the past, including the great tropical thunderstorm that struck west-central Minnesota in July 1867, the so-called "Long Winter" of 1880-81 and the Twin Cities' worst-ever flash flood in July 1987.

"These are the stories that stand out historically," Seeley said during a recent book signing on the University's Minneapolis campus. "And we like to focus on our own experiences as being extreme, but if we review them in a historical context, we have a greater understanding about what other generations of Minnesotans have put up with in terms of aberrations in our weather."

One of Seeley's chapters focuses on Minnesota's future as he discusses four trends from the last 30 years. The trends include: 1) warm winters, 2) higher minimum temperatures, 3) high summer dew points and 4) greater annual precipitation.

Minnesota Weather Almanac retails for $22.95 and can be purchased through the Minnesota Historical Society Press website (www.mhspress.org) and area bookstores.

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/weather.html  This page was updated April 20, 2006 .
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