Is Minnesota Getting a Real Fall or Fast-Forwarding to Winter?

Fall is officially here, and honestly, I'm ready. I’m a total sucker for this season - gimme sleeping with the windows open, gorgeous changing leaves, and yes, pumpkin spice everything (no shame in my game ;) ).

Now that we’ve officially crossed the threshold from summer to fall, the million-dollar question is: what does the rest of the season actually have in store for Minnesota?

I’m holding out hope for a real fall this year. You know the vibe: crisp mornings and cozy sweater weather that lasts longer than 5-minutes before we’re suddenly scraping ice off our windshields in the dark.

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October Might Actually Deliver the Fall We Deserve

The Farmers' Almanac hit the nail on the head with its September outlook when it predicted cooler-than-average temps and slightly above-average rain.

Looking ahead to October, the Almanac is predicting slightly warmer-than-average temperatures in our neck of the woods along with wetter-than-average conditions.

Warmer than average? Yes, please.

Since typical October temperatures across central and southern Minnesota, on average, are in the 50s, I am absolutely on board with a little extra warmth. Am I right? I am nowhere near ready to plummet into the frozen tundra just yet.

Also See: When Will Fall Colors Peak in Minnesota

And Then... There’s Winter

I know, I know. Nobody wants to go there yet.

NOAA says El Niño is strengthening, which basically means warmer-than-normal temperatures for Minnesota and much of the northern U.S.

Does that mean we get to cancel winter? Sadly, no. But I’ll happily take “warmer than normal” over “welcome to the frozen tundra” any day.

Also See: Mild or Wild?? Farmer's Almanac Drops 2026-27 Winter Predictions