It’s been a warm and weird winter.  

Most of Minnesota right now doesn’t have any snow. And, the ice is melting fast.  

Outdoor hockey rinks have turned into puddles. Ice houses are getting pulled off some lakes across the state. Snow mobiles languish under tarps in the garage.  

Over time, Minnesota’s average winter temperatures are slowly rising as carbon emissions warm the globe. But super El Niño weather patterns have made this winter especially warm. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with people around the state about how the wimpy winter is messing with winter recreation, businesses that depend on it and our moods.

Guests:  

• Dan Kraker is the MPR News correspondent based in Duluth. He’s a cross country skier and reported a story earlier this year on how this year’s wimpy winter is disappointing winter outdoor enthusiasts.  




• Chris Farrell is MPR News senior economics correspondent.

 Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.