Overview of Minnesota-specific flood risk
Minnesota has experienced, on average, an increase of 3.4 inches of precipitation per year between 1895 and 2025. The largest single rain event has grown by 13%, and the state is now experiencing more frequent and intense heavy rainfall events than ever recorded.
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm existing stormwater systems, sump pumps, and other infrastructure. Rapid fluctuations in temperature can also trigger large volumes of snowmelt, a significant risk factor for flooding in Minnesota.
To assess the current vulnerability of your specific property, consider referencing FEMA’s flood maps online at the Flood Map Service Center. Note, however, that these maps are currently based on historic climate patterns, and do not reflect the increases in precipitation and streamflow that we expect in the future.
- Where to start
- Yard & gardens
- Roof
- Walls
- Windows & doors
- Foundations
- Mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems
Evaluate flood insurance options (even if your property is not in a historic flood zone) to learn about your risk factors and prioritize actions.
Clean gutters and position down-spouts to allow water to flow away from your home’s foundation.
Install a rain garden in areas that are flood-prone.
Anchor fuel tanks and other outside equipment or place them on platforms.
If you see standing water in your yard after a storm, install a French drain or underground pipes to address low spots.
Tape or seal all vertical and horizontal seams in roof sheathing.
Cover roof deck with #30 felt or an equivalent synthetic underlayment.
Use self-adhering polymer-modified membrane over the entire roof deck.
Install flashing at wall and roof intersection, at every change in roof slope or direction, and around roof openings.
Install soffit and ridge vents so that at least 40% and no more than 50% of required ventilation is provided by the ridge vent.
Spray studs with borate treatment to a minimum of 4 ft. above base flood elevation.
Block and use galvanized screws to attach gypsum at least 4 ft. above base flood elevation on all first floor walls.
Use flood-resistant wall materials referenced in FEMA fact sheet 1.7. Finish materials may include brick veneer or fiber cement for exterior locations and brick, cast stone, concrete, CMU, clay tile, or marine grade plywood for interior locations.
Use closed-cell spray foam as water resistant wall insulation.
For wood and cement-based siding, fur out siding for better cladding drainage. Allow for back venting at top and bottom of cladded wall.
When using vinyl- and cement-based cladding systems, use a solid sheathing, such as oriented strand board (OSB), behind the drainage plane material.
Install weatherstripping, flashing, and/or sealants around exterior door frames and windows.
Consider if your door’s threshold is adjustable to raise it for a more watertight seal.
Install flood resistant exterior doors.
Add a sump pump with backup power.
Elevate the lowest finished floor above base flood elevation.
Install hydrostatic flood vents on foundation walls with a minimum of two vents for any enclosed area and placed on different walls.
Provide flood protection for utilities and mechanical equipment.
Locate receptacles, lights, switches, and other electrical and mechanical components above the base flood elevation or above the 500-year flood elevation for enhanced design.
Install backflow valves on the sanitary sewer lateral or the internal plumbing branch serving below-grade fixtures.
Overview of Minnesota-specific wildfire risk
In general, climate change is driving hotter weather and more evaporative demand—a “thirstier” atmosphere—drying up vegetation, intensifying wildfire growth, and extending the wildfire season.
In addition, we project the “weather whiplash” of heavy precipitation followed by periods of extended drought will become more frequent in Minnesota. Combined with warmer temperatures and increased pest pressure, this trend may stress ecosystems, forests and vegetation—contributing to favorable fire conditions.
More densely forested landscapes, particularly in northern areas of the state, are more prone to wildfire.
- Where to start
- Yard & gardens
- Roof
- Windows & doors
- Walls
- Foundations
- Mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems
Remove dead plant and tree material, including dried leaves and pine needles, throughout your property.
Regularly/seasonally remove wind-blown debris (leaves, pine needles, branches) from roof and gutters.
Within 5 ft. of your home, limit plantings and maintain lawns and native grasses to a recommended 1-2 in. Within 5-30 ft. of your home, maintain lawns and native grasses to a recommended 6-8 in.
Throughout your property, prune trees up to 6-10 ft. from the ground. Pruning of shorter trees should not exceed 1/3 of the overall tree height.
Trim all tree branches that overhang your building.
Replace wood mulch with non-combustible alternatives such as crushed stone or gravel.
Use hardscape such as concrete, stone, or gravel for walkways and driveways.
Place fuel storage vessels (e.g. propane tanks) and firewood away from buildings (30 ft.).
Install non-combustible (metal) leaf guards over gutters.
Cover attic vents with non-combustible mesh.
Clad eaves/soffits with non-combustible materials.
Install non-combustible roof claddings that comply with ASTM C 1177. Class A roof covering fire rating materials include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, tile, and metal panel.
Install screens in all usable windows to increase ember resistance.
Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps in baseboards, windows, and doors to prevent air leaks and unwanted smoke from entering the home.
Install metal rolling, swing, or faux wood composite fire resistant shutters to protect openings from fire and smoke that meet a Class A rating.
Exterior doors should be metal or solid wood. Consult the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code to determine fire rating.
Install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a wildfire.
Metal window frames are recommended over wood.
Replace wood or vinyl siding with non-combustible siding that is not susceptible to melting (e.g., stucco, steel and fiber cement).
For new construction or additions, use a one-hour fire rating wall design.
Cover foundation vents with non-combustible mesh.
Upgrade your HVAC system filtration to MERV 13 filters or higher, if compatible with your system.
Monitor air quality with an air sensor that measures PM2.5 (airborne particles) and TVOCs (airborne chemicals), smoke alarms, weather apps, and air quality websites such as AirNow.gov.
Limit each ventilation opening to 144 sq. in. and install corrosion-resistant, metal mesh screens at all vent openings.
Install metal wall louvers with a fusible link that will close the blades when wildfire threatens.
Install or upgrade to residential fire sprinklers.
Overview of Minnesota-specific extreme heat risk
Between 1895 and 2025, the average annual temperature in Minnesota has increased by 3.4°F. Warming has accelerated in recent years. In the future, extremes above 90°F and 100°F are projected to become more frequent.
According to our projections, southern counties will see up to 60 days with highs above 90°F—and up to 12 days with highs above 100°F—by 2060. These projections don’t account for humidity, which can increase the risk of heat illnesses and public health impacts.
In the north, communities are projected to experience up to 25 days with highs above 90°F—and up to six days with highs above 100°F—by 2060.
Areas along Lake Superior will see more moderate temperature increases.
Use box fans to circulate fresh air.
Seek out an energy audit to learn where you can maximize savings for summer cooling.
Seek out a community cooling center or other spaces such as malls, libraries, local pools, etc. that you can go to on high heat days.
Landscape with drought-tolerant native or adapted plants that require less water.
Transition your lawn to fine fescues, which are more drought and shade tolerant than traditional Kentucky bluegrass.
Use rain water to irrigate when possible.
Select light or white colored materials for hardscape surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and site structures.
Locate trees, shrubs, or other vegetation on the east, west, and south sides of your home to provide shading while reducing air conditioning use. Consult with a contractor, building performance specialist or other design professional to discuss balancing passive shading, heating, and natural ventilation.
Install adequate attic insulation. R-50 to R-60 is recommended in Minnesota.
Select light or white colored roofing.
Install a thermal barrier or blanket under roof decking.
Orient new buildings to minimize south and southwest roof exposure.
Insulate walls to minimize heat gain. R-21 exterior walls are recommended for Minnesota.
Design exterior walls with thermal mass using materials such as stone or concrete.
Use curtains or window coverings on windows that get direct sun.
Protect your home from interior air leaks (ex: weather strip or caulk around vents, windows, and doors).
Select double- or triple-pane windows with a U-value of 0.30 or less and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.50.
Minimize south and southwest exterior window exposure. Consider awnings.
Implement energy efficiency strategies as recommended by an energy audit to reduce utility bills.
Select an appropriately sized HVAC system to find the sweet spot between comfort, reducing carbon emissions, and saving on your energy bills.
Install humidistat-triggered mechanical ventilation for attic.
Install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with battery backup to reduce stress on the electric grid during high heat events.
Consider air source heat-pumps as an energy efficient source of cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.
Overview of Minnesota-specific risk from wind, hail and storms
There is evidence climate change will make severe thunderstorms more frequent and intense in Minnesota, with the severe thunderstorm season expanding into more of the calendar year.
Large, damaging hail is projected to become more frequent. Thunderstorm wind gusts are projected to become more intense.
There is growing evidence that long-lived windstorms like derechos will become more damaging in the future. Trends in future tornadoes, however, remain uncertain.
Secure loose items in your yard ahead of expected severe weather.
Periodically check the health of trees while properly managing species like ash that may become weakened by pest or disease. Trim tree limbs back from extending over your home.
Check your roof for damaged, missing, or loose shingles or tiles, using binoculars to safely assess.
Learn where the nearest storm shelters are in your neighborhood.
Plant new trees and large shrubs at appropriate depth to ensure stability.
Use lightweight mulch instead of rock or gravel.
Trim all tree branches that overhang your building.
Assess health of existing trees; prune or alter to prevent trees or limbs from falling and damaging property.
Improve anchorage of attached roof structures on carports and porches.
Install additional nailing strips for all types of soffit materials.
Strengthen your soffits by applying a bead of polyurethane sealant between the wall and the trim where soffit panels are inserted.
Install hail resistant roofing materials such as Class 4 asphalt shingles, metal (steel or aluminum) panels, or slate, concrete, or clay tiles.
Reinforce brick masonry chimneys with continuous reinforced steel bracing and framing anchors.
When replacing your roof, install a system for high-wind events.
Hang curtains to block drafts.
Install air sealing and foam package to ensure no air leakage or penetration.
Install additional brackets and rails in the garage door.
Install a high-pressure-rated garage door.
Replace windows and doors with impact-rated products.
Install window shutters to protect windows from debris.
Select exterior doors that have a high design pressure (DP) rating as shown on a door manufacturers label when purchasing.
Install hail resistant exterior wall materials such as fiber cement, brick, stone, or steel siding.
Strengthen roof-to-wall connections.
Install a tornado safe room complying to FEMA P-320 or purchase and install a storm safe shelter that meets ICC 500 criteria.
Install backup power generation for extended power disruptions.
Overview of Minnesota-specific snow and ice risk
Our winters are warming faster than any other season. Already, since 1895, Minnesota’s average winter low temperatures have increased by nearly 7°F. That’s a major shift, and the trend is expected to continue.
By 2060, we project most of the state will see up to two fewer weeks per year with reliable snow cover (more than an inch on the ground), depending on global emissions.
Minnesota will still experience dangerous cold events, though less frequently and intensely than in the past. Heavy now events will likely become more common, and shifting frequent freeze-thaw patterns will create new challenges for homes and gardens.
- Where to start
- Yard & gardens
- Roof
- Walls
- Windows
- Foundations
- Mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems
Insulate water pipes.
Seal air leaks around window and doors with caulk, weather stripping or plastic sheeting.
Trim tree limbs that extend over home or other structures.
Protect plants during winter by covering, moving, or adding mulch to prevent damage from snow, ice, and salt.
Prevent ice dams by removing snow from the roof in problem areas.
Assess health of existing trees; prune or alter to prevent trees or limbs from falling and damaging property.
Prune in the appropriate season to reduce disease risk.
Avoid planting sensitive species in areas that are exposed to wind or harsh winter sun.
If salting sidewalks and driveways, follow Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Smart Salting practices.
Locate doors and paths away from prevailing winds to minimize snow accumulation and need for salting.
Seal air leakage paths between the house and attic space to prevent ice dams.
Optimize attic insulation. R-50 to R-60 is recommended in Minnesota.
Reinforce roof framing.
Install ice and water shields on the entire roof area.
Design and maintain gutters, soffit, ventilation and temperature control, and eave interface to protect against ice dam and ice accumulation damage to gutters.
Use 2x6 wall construction to allow for increased insulation R-value. R-21 exterior walls are recommended for Minnesota.
Install frost footers in basement to prevent basement walls from heaving with power failure and extreme cold.
Install air sealing and foam package to reduce air leakage.
Replace windows and doors with better insulating and impact-rated products.
Orient home to take advantage of passive solar gain and avoid door and window exposure to prevailing winds.
Ensure a minimum of 6 in. over 10 ft. of positive slope away from foundation on all grading, walks, drives, and auxiliary structures.
Increase depth of footers above code and install frost insulation around the foundation and under slab.
Do not locate water or waste pipes on exterior walls.
Install electric distribution and con-nection lines underground to prevent storm damage.
Install potable and wastewater lines at least 6 ft. deep, or deeper if needed for frost depth.