Cold temps, little snow cover could mean trouble for septic systems

December breaks the steak of above average seasonal temperatures by bringing colder than average weather for its first five days.

“But the absence of snow … has called caused the soil frost to go deeper,” said meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley. “Now, most places in the state are reporting frozen soil down beyond six inches.”

That frozen soil typically starts happening in Minnesota around this time of year but could become a problem for septic systems if lack of snow continues.

Seeley also noted the high winds that many Minnesotans experienced on Wednesday. Gusts in Rochester were recorded at a peak of 63 mph and on Lake Superior, winds created waves of 8 to 12 feet.

MPR News guest host Emily Bright spoke with Seeley about the cold, windy temperatures in Seeley’s weekly weather chat.

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

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