Exactly 100 years ago, Minnesota residents were challenged to endure extremely stressful weather conditions.

The winter of 1916-17 was one of the cruelest in state history for a number of reasons. It started early, with widespread snow and cold blanketing the state by mid-October. From there, the cold became more intense and the snowfall more frequent.

Over the three winter months — December through February — temperatures around the state averaged from 9 to 12 degrees F cooler than normal, and many climate stations reported extreme low temperatures ranging from -30 to -40 degrees F.

Some climate observers reported 12 to 15 days with morning low temperatures of -30 degrees F or colder. Seasonal snowfall accumulations in many areas were record-setting, ranging from 65 to 99 inches.

In the middle of this winter, the month of February brought persistent and extreme cold. The month started with 110 consecutive hours of below-zero degrees F temperature readings, finally rising above 0 degrees F on the afternoon of Feb. 5. For many areas of the state, only four nights brought low temperatures that remained above 0 degrees F.

The only two days during the month with above-normal temperatures were Feb. 15 and 16. Monthly average temperatures from Minnesota climate stations ranged from 12 to 16 degrees F colder than normal. At the time, February 1917 was the coldest in state history, with an average statewide temperature value that was subzero in most places.

This magnitude of February cold was not surpassed until 1936. As the month closed, climate observers noted that lake ice was extremely thick, ranging from 20 to 40 inches in thickness. Many well pumps froze up, causing rural residents to harvest and thaw ice for water supply. There was little let up from the cold until March 20, when temperatures rose above 40 degrees F.

During February 1917, six blizzards crossed the state, mostly affecting northern and western counties. Snowfall totals exceeded 20 inches in many places, and snow depth exceeded 2 feet in most areas of the state.

During the first half of the month, these blizzard conditions blocked railroads for many days and caused many school closures. Farmers also reported some livestock losses associated with these storms.

A blizzard on Feb. 17 brought winds of 40 to 60 mph, causing some structural damage to farm buildings — and even commercial buildings in the Duluth area.

Overall, February 1917, 100 years ago, brought one of the most challenging periods of winter weather that Minnesota residents have ever had to endure.

Seeley is an Extension climatologist with the University of Minnesota