Local

Drought, haze, tornadoes: Take a deeper look at Minnesota's bewildering 2021 weather

Smoky air from wildfires, a severe June heat wave and unusual snowmelt made for some strange weather extremes in 2021.

By C.J. Sinner and

Mark Boswell

January 7, 2022 at 3:47PM
As the Greenwood Fire continues to burn, smoke from the blaze fills the air, almost obscuring the Bong Bridge and Denfeld Senior High School, bottom tower, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, in Duluth, Minn. (Brian Peterson/Star Tribune via AP) (Brian Peterson, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writers

about the writers

C.J. Sinner

Director of Graphics & Data Visuals

C.J. Sinner is the Director of Graphics and Data Visuals at the Star Tribune, managing a small team that works at the intersection of data and design to help enhance storytelling on all platforms through charts, maps and diagrams. 

See More

Mark Boswell

Deputy News Graphics Director

Mark Boswell is Deputy News Graphics Director at the Minnesota Star Tribune and has over 30 years experience as a visual journalist, illustrator and writer.

See More

More from Local

See More

Elections

Five Minnesota political figures to watch after the 2024 election

card image

These Minnesotans are poised to play prominent roles in state and national politics in the coming years.

Elections

This Minnesota county voted blue for nearly 100 years — until Trump. Can Democrats win it back?

card image

Elections

How Minnesota House Republicans ended the DFL’s state government trifecta

card image