Yes, It Has Actually Snowed in Rochester in September

September in Minnesota can deliver just about anything, from shorts-and-T-shirt weather to temperatures that have you reaching for your winter coat. But if you think there's no way Rochester could see snow before October, Mother Nature has a pretty convincing piece of evidence to prove you wrong.

Being an amateur weather geek, I'm always fascinated by the weather that impacts our lives, and how it can be so different here in southeast Minnesota. I really think one of the best parts about living here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is that we get to enjoy ALL the different seasons:

Has It Ever Snowed in Rochester in September?

Our long, cold winter gives way to the rebirth of spring, which then turns into the lazy, hazy days of summer, which then eventually gives way to the crisp, cool days and nights of fall before Old Man Winter shows up once again.

ALSO INTERESTING: This Creepy Rochester Landmark Was Carved By Hand 144 Years Ago

Why, how BORING it must be to live in parts of the country, like, say, San Diego, California, where the temperate climate keeps the weather sunny with a high temperature in the mid-70s all year long. Who'd want THAT?!? (<---- sarcasm font)

But seeing as we're now officially in fall here in Minnesota, we can see both some really nice, warm days as well as much colder, almost winter-like weather. And while it's been cooler here lately, at least it hasn't snowed yet.  And I know what you're saying: Snow?!? It's September; it's too early for snow, right? But yes, it's true; it actually HAS snowed here in Rochester in September.

Rochester's Earliest Snowfall Happened in September 1942

Get our free mobile app

According to the site Extreme Weather, the earliest in the season it has snowed in Rochester, Minnesota, is September 26, which happened in 1942. It wasn't much, but historical archives note that 0.3 inches were reported at Rochester International Airport. on 9/26/42. Sure, it was a dusting, but still! Snow on September 26th?!? Come on, man!

Rochester's Record-Low September Temperature

And here's another interesting wrinkle about September of 1942: Just two days after snow was reported on September 26, 1942, the National Weather Service says that Old Man Winter continued his early visit and produced Rochester's all-time record-low for September, when the temperature dipped to just 22°F!

Meanwhile, Rochester's only other measurable September snowfall, NWS says, came on September 30, 1961, when 0.8 inches fell. So, it doesn't happen too often, but yes, it *has* snowed in the Med City in September!