El Nino report for Minnesota

So, what does this mean for beekeepers in Minnesota? That is the question at hand. The MN DNR has put out a recent update report in the Climate Journal, link below. From what I’m understanding from this report, it’s still too early to tell which way our winter is going to lean.

For Example, In the 1991 El Niño, which many should remember. I don’t because I was out of state, stationed in Texas during this period. But this was the Halloween Blizzard from hell! I do however remember El Niño years that gave us mild weather (shirt-sleeve) through December, and one March when I was able to plant taters. Another example, During a November deer hunt, while sitting in my tree stand, honey bees were flying and checking me out while I watched for deer movement.

My advice is to pay attention to the weather forecasts and be prepared to feed. Be ready, be flexible, and be alert to changes.

Here is the link to the MN DNR Climate Journal.  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/el-nino-2026.html