National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

After verifying that the dew point sensor at the Moorhead Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) was operating properly, it has been determined that the 88 degree F dew point temperature recorded from 7pm to 9pm July 19, 2011 is the Minnesota state record for highest dew point temperature. The previous dew point temperature record was 86 degrees F set at Pipestone and St. James on July 23, 2005.

Note: At the time the dew-point reached the record 88F, wind speeds were decreasing and the air temperature rising. This suggests there were local influences that helped drive the dew-point to this extreme level.

For additional information, please contact  Pete Boulay 651-296-4214, Peter.Boulay@state.mn.us at the State Climatology Office - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).