Record-Breaking Valentine's Day Warmth Shatters Minneapolis 1882 Record
Record-Breaking Valentine's Day Warmth
The Twin Cities experienced unprecedented warmth on Valentine's Day, with temperatures soaring to 54 degrees on Saturday, February 14th. This remarkable reading shattered the previous record of 50 degrees, a benchmark that had stood since 1882 when Minneapolis was establishing itself as the nation's flour milling capital. The four-degree increase represents a significant departure from typical February conditions, where average temperatures hover around 28 degrees.
Winter Thaw and Community Response
The balmy conditions prompted residents to embrace spring-like weather, with many venturing outdoors in shorts and t-shirts. Snowbanks rapidly melted across the region, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation made the decision to close ice rinks for the season ahead of schedule. The warmth continued into Sunday with temperatures remaining in the low 50s, providing a welcome respite from Minnesota's typically harsh winter climate.
Looking Ahead
While this exceptional warmth is expected to persist through Tuesday, cooler weather is forecasted to return midweek. The dramatic temperature swing underscores the unpredictable nature of early February weather patterns in the Upper Midwest.
```About the Organizations Mentioned
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board: Green Innovation in Urban Management</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #228B22; } h2 { color: #006400; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board: Pioneering Urban Green Spaces</h1> <p>The <strong>Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)</strong> is an independently elected, semi-autonomous organization governing one of America's most cherished urban park systems, spanning 6,790 acres of local and regional parks, 22 lakes, playgrounds, seven golf courses, gardens, nature sanctuaries, and a 55-mile parkway network.[1][3] Acquired through purchases and donations, these spaces blend stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks, and ecological diversity right in the heart of Minneapolis.[1]</p> <h2>History and Governance</h2> <p>Established as a voter-elected board, MPRB sets its own budget and levy, independent of city control but receiving about 11.8% of the city's Local Government Aid (LGA) funding, which varies annually.[2] In 2016, a landmark 20-year agreement with the mayor and city council secured equitable funding for neighborhood parks and streets infrastructure, showcasing forward-thinking public-private collaboration.[2]</p> <h2>Mission and Key Services</
