December off to a cold and windy start: So far everyday in December has brought colder than normal temperatures to Minnesota, Climate observers in 20 counties have already reported some subzero low temperatures. Through the first 5 days of the month temperatures are averaging 3 to 6 degrees F cooler than normal around the state. Snowfall has occurred in light amounts in most areas of the state, but generally less than 1 inch. Along the north shore areas near Grand Marais, some observers have reported 4 to 6 inches of snowfall so far this month. In the absence of significant snow cover, soils have frozen down to a depth of 6 inches or more in many areas of the state. The biggest weather event of the first week of December was the strong low pressure system that brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow to the state on Wednesday, December 4th. Winds were exceptionally strong for most of the day and combined with brief snow squalls this made visibility quite difficult for driving somet...
