"Earth had its 4th-warmest October on record"
Europe saw warmest October in 113 years - The planet added another warm month to a warm year, with October 2022 ranking as the world's fourth-warmest October in 143 years. Notably, the Northern Hemisphere saw its second-warmest October and Europe saw its warmest October on record, according to scientists from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Below are more highlights from NOAA's October global climate report: October 2022 The average global temperature for October was 1.60 degrees F (0.89 of a degree C) above the 20th-century average of 57.1 degrees F (14.0 degrees C), ranking as the world's fourth-warmest October on record behind 2015 (warmest), 2019 (second warmest) and 2018 (third warmest). Looking regionally, the Northern Hemisphere had its second-warmest October on record, just behind October 2015. Europe had its warmest October on record, Africa tied 2003 for its third-warmest October, while North America and Asia each had their sixth-warmest Octobers on record. Last month was the 46th consecutive October and the 454th consecutive month with temperatures above the 20th-century average.

Snowfall Reports From Monday
Here's a look at snowfall reports from around the region on Monday. There were some 1" to 4" reports, most of which fell during the first half of the day and cause some major issues on roads during the morning commute. The heaviest report was found near Minnesota Lake, where 4.2" fell. Nearly 2" was reported at the MSP Airport.

Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin (November 14th - 18th)
November 14th through the 18th is Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each year, the National Weather Service, the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Wisconsin Emergency Management promote winter safety and preparedness for all citizens wherever they are: in their homes, on the road, at work and at play. Unfortunately, many people each year suffer needlessly because they are unaware of the potential dangers of the winter season. Winter safety information will be presented each day during the week of November 14th. The winter safety information will be separated into the 5 topics this week.
Wednesday, November 16th: Winter Fire Safety
Cold winter weather means that people are inside their homes more, and likely using additional measures to help keep their homes comfortable. This can pose heightened risks for home fires in the winter, unless safety precautions are taken.
Facts
- Cooking is usually the leading cause of residential fires, with open flames and heating fires often the number two and three causes
- Most heating fires involve fireplaces or chimneys
- Almost three-quarters of fire deaths occur in the home, making it the most dangerous place to be with regard to fire
- Many home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors
Safety Information
- Turn off portable heating appliances when leaving the home or retiring for the evening. This includes verifying that a fire in the fireplace has been fully extinguished.
- Have at least 3 feet of clearance between any heating equipment and anything that can burn. Keep children and loose clothing away from any heating equipment.
- Have chimneys, fireplaces and other heating devices professionally inspected prior to the start of every heating season
- Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood
- Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly.
- Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily as a dry tree can be consumed by fire in an instant.