Minnesota was repeatedly the coldest place in the U.S. in February

The cold that dominated February is expected to end soon.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if, beginning this weekend, we’re going to put the subzero readings behind us for this year,” climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley said on Morning Edition with Cathy Wurzer.

For many, it will be a welcome relief. International Falls in northern Minnesota had subzero readings 18 of the first 20 days of the month. During February, Minnesota filed six days that were colder than anywhere else in the nation.

“I don’t mean to pooh-pooh the cold,” Seeley said. “But our average temperature statewide this month has been between 5 and 6 degrees above zero.”

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Seeley about the subzero temperatures and the warmer weather ahead in their weekly weather chat. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

• Bitter-cold February nights haven't set any records, and now it's getting warmer
• Weekend snowstorm expected to kick off a streak of cold weather
• Seeley: January’s wide temperature swings average out to a mostly normal month