What should you know about Mankato's weather?
- NWS office
- Twin Cities (MPX)
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 784 ft
- Coordinates
- 44.17° N, 94.00° W
- Nearest radar
- KMPX · Minneapolis NEXRAD · 52 mi
- County
- Blue Earth County, MN
- Yearly rain
- 33.9 in
- Warmest month
- July · 71.8°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 14.7°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Mankato get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23.7 | 28.6 | 40.9 | 56.5 | 69.2 | 78.8 | 81.9 | 79.5 | 73.6 | 59.8 | 43.4 | 28.6 |
| Low °F | 5.7 | 9.4 | 21.9 | 33.9 | 47.0 | 57.7 | 61.7 | 59.4 | 50.1 | 37.4 | 24.7 | 12.7 |
| Rain (in) | 0.99 | 0.84 | 1.88 | 3.31 | 4.20 | 5.64 | 4.26 | 4.31 | 3.30 | 2.37 | 1.65 | 1.13 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23.7 | 5.7 | 0.99 |
| Feb | 28.6 | 9.4 | 0.84 |
| Mar | 40.9 | 21.9 | 1.88 |
| Apr | 56.5 | 33.9 | 3.31 |
| May | 69.2 | 47.0 | 4.20 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 57.7 | 5.64 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 61.7 | 4.26 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 59.4 | 4.31 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 50.1 | 3.30 |
| Oct | 59.8 | 37.4 | 2.37 |
| Nov | 43.4 | 24.7 | 1.65 |
| Dec | 28.6 | 12.7 | 1.13 |
MANKATO, MN US · 1 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What matters most on Mankato weather radar during a prolonged rain event?
Watch whether successive rain areas keep returning to the same basin rather than focusing only on the brightest current cell. In the June 19 to 22, 2024 rainfall summary, the site 2 miles east-southeast of Skyline reported 8.10 inches. North Mankato's site 1.3 miles east-southeast reported 5.71 inches over that reporting period. Those nearby observations show why accumulated rain and river forecasts deserve attention even after a heavy band moves away.
How does the river gauge add information that radar cannot?
The Minnesota River gauge at Mankato measures the river's response to water arriving from across the basin, which a local rain snapshot cannot provide. Its June 2024 crest was 29.76 feet, compared with the historic record crest of 30.11 feet in June 1993. Minor flood stage is 22 feet, while the listed threshold for beginning dike patrols in Mankato is 21 feet. Check the forecast crest as well as the observed reading, since the rain over town is only part of the river picture.
How should I compare snow reports during a long storm?
Match each total to its observation time before comparing locations. During the January 22 to 23, 2018 storm, Mankato reported 13.0 inches by 6 pm on January 22. The site 4 miles east of Mankato reported 13.7 inches by 7 am on January 23. The radar loop helps show whether more snow is arriving, while those time-stamped measurements show how much had accumulated at each site.
Why can travel stay difficult after the snow leaves the radar?
Strong winds can keep redistributing fallen snow after the main precipitation moves away. On February 24, 2019, Mankato airport recorded a gust of 49 mph at 10:25 am during a regional blizzard. NWS Twin Cities describes winds developing as snowfall ended and continuing through the day, with drifting making roads impassable across the affected region. For a trip out of town, check wind and road reports as well as the trailing edge of the snow.
When should you check the Mankato radar?
Heavy-rain and storm watch
May to JulyFor travel toward Eagle Lake, follow the upstream end of a rain area to see whether new cells are replacing those moving away. Leave extra flexibility when the route remains under repeated showers.
Freeze season
October 9 to April 30These are the median dates of the first fall freeze and the last spring freeze at the Mankato climate station. For travel toward Kasota, check approaching snow and the wind forecast before setting out.
What else do people ask about the Mankato radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Mankato?
NWS Twin Cities (MPX) issues forecasts and warnings for Mankato. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KMPX, about 52 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Twin Cities and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KMPX (Minneapolis NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Twin Cities (MPX)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KMPX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Twin Cities (MPX)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Twin Cities office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: MANKATO, MN US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Twin Cities: June 2024 record flooding and rainfall
- National Weather Service: Minnesota River at Mankato gauge
- NWS Twin Cities: January 2018 winter storm observations
- NWS Twin Cities: February 2019 blizzard
- NOAA NCEI: 1991 to 2020 annual and seasonal normals, Mankato