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7. Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month?

Reply to OldBaldy1701E (Reply #5)

Wed Jul 30, 2025, 03:42 PM

Jul 30

Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month?

The monthly Wednesday tornado siren test, a Minnesota tradition, traces its origins back to 1950s fears of a Soviet atomic bomb attack. Writer Dave Kenney, who has researched Civil Defense in Minnesota, discusses how Minnesotans responded to an evolving international threat during the Cold War.

And then there is Severe Weather week, usually in April when sirens sound at different times

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irisblue

9 replies

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Midwest US question -Wednesday at noon [View all] irisblue Jul 30 OP

Alas, as a Southerner, I don't understand the question. Glorfindel Jul 30 #1

Tornado sirens go off here at noon on Wednesday. Do other places do this? irisblue Jul 30 #3

In MN at 1:00 only on the first Wednesday of the month. So not today. question everything Jul 30 #4

Really? OldBaldy1701E Jul 30 #5

Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? question everything Jul 30 #7

That was fascinating to listen to. Thank you irisblue Jul 31 #9

? Bernardo de La Paz Jul 30 #2

I apologize Bernado La Paz, I posted the first time in a sleep muddle irisblue Jul 30 #6

If you're talking about air raid sirens bif Jul 30 #8