Zero and Embarrass, MN

Today was the first time in a few days I saw a temperature that did not have a negative sign in front of it.....and it was zero. Zero means it is at least 30 degrees warmer then it was a few days ago. The good thing is the sun has been shining the whole time. I think we are past our cold snap.

Several days ago on the news I heard that Embarrass MN had the record low of -42. I had not heard of Embarrass and had to look up their website. Weather Facts: Embarrass, Minnesota Weather - Embarrass is known for it's cold temperatures and can claim the rights as the "coldest spot in the state". It is not unusual to see 30 to 45 degrees below zero many mornings before the sun comes up during the winter months. The unofficial low temperature set on February 2, 1996 was -64. Although it may be hard to believe that this can be "normal" it can also be normal to get killing frosts during the summer months too. It can be challenging for Embarrass residents to grow gardens or beautiful flowers. There is a theory of why it gets so cold in Embarrass. This theory has to do with geology.

Embarrass is located in the Embarrass River Valley. The Vermillion Range borders the northern end, the Laurentian Divide to the south and moraines at right angles on the other two ends. These natural barriers causes the cold air to sink with the help of gravity. In addition to the right type of soil and higher latitude, Embarrass is colder then in any other part of the state.

Embarrass residents are tough to withstand these cold temperatures. Either that or they all know that the cold is coming every year and prepare for it. Common sense is used when being outdoors. Although the thought of such cold makes the winter seem long and harsh, the beauty of bright white snow on the landscape can be breath-taking. Thoughts of spring and summer gives hope of warmer temperatures to come and helps residents to endure the winter months.

Embarrass Township, established in 1905, lies in the Embarrass River Valley near the Laurentian Divide on the Iron Range. Choosing a name for this new organized township has a tale of its own. "Embarrass" comes from a French word which means "to hinder, confuse or to be complicated". French explorers traveling through the area by canoe found it very difficult to maneuver through all the obstacles and debris that was in the way. This is believed how the Embarrass River was named. Later, when the railroad system was established, the depot which stood near the Embarrass River also beared the name Embarrass. It was then appropriate that the township should also hold this name.