Photo: wisconsinpictures on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 19, 2025

Minnesotans know the weather can be unpredictable, and conditions over the past 24 hours have proven this in the Arrowhead region of the state (rain, sleet, snow, ice, wind, and cold temperatures, to name a few). On Friday, December 19, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) recorded extreme temperatures and high wind gusts across Cook County following a winter storm system that moved through the region. 

This morning, areas recorded wind chill temperatures below zero:

Prior to the cold front, the region experienced unseasonably warm and wet weather. This caused gravel roads to become saturated and difficult to navigate. The Cook County Sheriff's Office and Highway Department issued a travel advisory late morning, asking people to avoid driving on gravel roads if possible. As temperatures dropped and wind rapidly moved in mid-afternoon on Thursday, moisture on road surfaces solidified, causing icy conditions.

According to the NWS, strong winds and snow moved into Grand Marais Harbor over a period of two hours. The "Bay of Grand Marais wind observations went from 0mph at 2 pm to 24 mph gusting to 43 mph at 4 pm," the organization shared on Facebook. 

While the primary storm system has moved out of the area, the NWS forecasts additional light snow accumulation through Saturday. Gusty northwest winds are expected to pick up throughout the day on Friday, potentially causing continued blowing snow and reduced visibility in open areas. Temperatures are projected to remain below seasonal averages through the remainder of the weekend.