Cold weather is predicted for the beginning of 2025 in Cook County and Grand Portage
Jan 02, 2025 07:08AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 31, 2024
The December "thaw" that has been sticking around the last part of 2024 will make space for colder temperatures, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.
The temperature outlook into mid-January calls for a 60-70% chance for below-average temperatures ranging from an average low of 5F to an average high of 21F for Cook County, MN.
Average high temperatures in Cook County:
- January 2024: 19.9F
- January 2023: 22.0F
- January 2022: 10.9F
- January 2021: 24.1F
- January 2020: 21.7F
- January 2024: 7.3F
- January 2023: 6.4F
- January 2022: -11.8F
- January 2021: 6.1F
- January 2020: 5.6F
January is typically the coldest month in a normal year for the area.
Looking ahead to the next few days, the National Weather Service in Duluth predicts a gradual cool down into the weekend, with potential windchill reaching -30F by Saturday morning.
Image: NOAA
Those hoping for a fresh coating of snow for outdoor winter activities could be in luck. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts near-normal levels of precipitation as we kick off the new year. During an average January, Cook County ranges from .8" of precipitation in the upper NW corner of the county to 1.6" in the eastern tip (measuring from 1991 to present). According to NOAA, 1" of rain equals approximately 13" on average, but this number can vary greatly depending on the water content of the snow.
Image: NOAA
Image: MN DNR
While many areas close to the north shore of Lake Superior received rain within the last week, locations further inland received some snow. Ski and snowmobile trail conditions vary; however, many locations up and along the Gunflint Trail have been able to groom and keep trails open. (For the latest trail conditions, visit the Visit Cook County website here. You can also visit specific lodge websites or social media pages, as many groom their own trails.)
The most recent MN DNR snow depth map was released on December 26, and showed a large range depending on the area in Cook County. Some areas are already well on the way to surpassing last year's amount, which isn't saying much considering the average snowfall last season ranged from 30" in Grand Portage to 44" in the Gunflint Lake area (between Oct 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024). The lack of snow caused many cancellations, including the Gunflint Mail Run, John Beargrease Dog Sled Marathon, Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Race, amongst other events. Currently, the two sled dog races are still on as scheduled.
The lack of precipitation also contributed to significant drought across the entire state until a rainy spring brought moisture to the area.
Image: MN DNR
Currently, we are in an La Nina weather pattern, which typically brings cooler temperatures and above-average precipitation. This past August, NOAA released its December 2024-February 2025 weather outlook, and predicted equal chances of above or below average temperatures, and 40%-50% chance of above average precipitation. The most recent 3-month outlook, released earlier this month, is still predicting the same chances of above or below average temperatures, but has slightly decreased the chances of above-average precipitation to 33%-40%.
Image: NOAA
Image: NOAA
