National Weather ServiceMinnesotaBlizzard WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Blizzard Warnings in Minnesota
The National Weather Service issued 21 blizzard warnings for Minnesota in 2025 and 15 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 44% above the average of 10 for those months in 2008-2025. West Polk was covered most often (66 times since 2008).
How many blizzard warnings does Minnesota get?
Every blizzard warning that covered part of Minnesota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2008 | 16 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Minnesota get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Minnesota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Polk | 66 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| West Marshall | 64 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| Kittson | 62 | 13 | March 12, 2026 |
| Norman | 61 | 12 | January 18, 2026 |
| Clay | 60 | 10 | January 18, 2026 |
| Wilkin | 58 | 10 | January 18, 2026 |
| Big Stone | 54 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| Traverse | 54 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| West Otter Tail | 46 | 8 | January 18, 2026 |
| Grant | 45 | 7 | January 18, 2026 |
| Lincoln | 44 | 8 | March 15, 2026 |
| Lyon | 43 | 8 | March 15, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile, for three hours or more. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Minnesota.