Resources to Prepare for Severe Weather, Emergencies, and Climate Risks

The following information can help you prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of severe weather and natural disasters. Scroll down for information specific to floods, droughts and poor air quality. Click here for more University of Minnesota Extension resources on caring for stressed or damaged homes, buildings, crops, livestock, and lawns. And click here to view our full summary of climate change impacts in Minnesota.

Resources on this page are compiled from the University of Minnesota Extension, as well as state and federal partners.

General Preparedness

Extreme Heat

Minnesota’s average temperatures are continuing to rise, accompanied by increased humidity (making it feel even warmer) and greater seasonal variability. Some areas of the state could see over 50 days with temperatures above 90°F by 2060. By 2100, MN is projected to experience up to 20 days per year above 100°F. Urban areas like St. Cloud, Rochester or the Twin Cities can trap heat and are particularly vulnerable.

Flooding and drought

Average annual rainfall in Minnesota is expected to increase, but not uniformly. Overall, we’re projected to experience wetter springs, drier summers, heavier rain events, and longer dry spells in between. Heavy rains can overwhelm existing stormwater infrastructure, especially in urban areas, and flooding can lead to injury, disease, and death. Runoff to waterways is expected to increase, leading to soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and poor water quality. Meanwhile, hotter and drier summers will decrease water availability while increasing demand. Higher air temperatures also increase evapotranspiration, leading to the risk of rapid-onset droughts. More wintertime precipitation will fall as rain, disrupting the timing of streamflow and reservoir recharge.

Poor Air Quality

Wildfires are expected to increase as the climate warms, while warmer temperatures and humidity can increase the concentration of ground-level pollution. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants from sources such as industrial pollution, fossil-fuel combustion, and wildfire smoke cause impacts to human health, including neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease exacerbation, skin and eye irritation, and cancer.

Air quality guidance for schools and child care centers

While air pollution affects everyone, children and youth are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and they breathe in more air than adults for their body weight.

Resources to Prepare for Severe Weather, Emergencies, and Climate Risks

General Preparedness

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