'Glory Index' Shows This Summer Is Minnesota's 3rd Best On Record

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - This summer is something to brag about.

The Minnesota DNR says so far this has been the third "most glorious" on record, according to the all-new "Summer Glory Index." The index is calculated based on ideal temperature, dew point and precipitation.

"They said if you can get past the winter, the summers are amazing," said Steyven Henry, who just moved to Minnesota, said. "So far it has been. The weather has been great."

So far we've had only two days above 90 this summer. We average 14. The moderate rainfall has been good for crops.

"It hasn't been showers every day," WCCO Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer said. "When it's rained, it's poured ... but then we'll have a week of dry pleasant days."

All those pleasant days have meant pleasant business for outdoor vendors like the Galaxy Drive-In in St Louis Park .

"We've done a lot better in sales this summer," Galaxy Drive-In manager Cailyn Couchman said. "With the rain last summer, sales have been a lot better."

Of course summer is not over, but July is typically the hottest month of the year. Meaning it's possible if the nice streak continues, this summer could set a record.

"We really hope the weather stays nice for the rest of summer," Couchman said.

The DNR said the only two summers beating this year's at the half-way point are 2008 and 1922. They also keep track of winters based on a "Winter Misery Index."