Total precipitation (a mix of rain and snowmelt) for our station this past week is 0.09 inches with 0.94 inches for the month of December to date and 30.18 inches of total precipitation year-to-date (93% - 98% of normal from last year). Total snowfall this week is 0.90 inches. Total snowpack depth this morning is 6.5 inches with a melted value of 1.08 inches (average of two separate measurements of 6 & 7 inches depth with 0.95 & 1.20 inches melted value). Temperatures have ranged from about -10°F below zero to the low 40’s. The past week in Oak Grove was characterized by significant temperature volatility and classic early-winter conditions. The week began with extreme cold on December 14-15, seeing a low of -10°F followed by a sharp warming trend mid-week, peaking on December 16 with an unseasonably high temperature of 43°F. As of today, December 21, temperatures have returned to more seasonal freezing cold levels, with a high in the mid teens and an overnight low about -5°F. Winds throughout the week averaged 10–15 mph with especially strong winds on Thursday and Friday, contributing to a persistent wind chill. Agricultural activity in Anoka County is currently in its winter dormancy phase. No planting or harvesting of major field crops occurred this week. Local activity is primarily limited to Christmas tree farms, which remain in their peak season for retail sales. Deciduous trees, including the region's prominent white oaks and maples, are in full dormancy. Conifers remain the primary green element in the landscape. Recent snow and slush from earlier in the month have left a moderate base in wooded areas Many local mammals, such as woodchucks and black bears, have entered deep hibernation. However, winter-active species remain visible, including bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and occasionally geese are spotted near open water on the Rum River. Grey squirrels, voles, and mice are active under the snow cover. Birds visiting feeders include black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, blue jays, downy and hairy woodpeckers, juncos, and nuthatches. Groomed trails for cross-country skiing are open at Rum River Central Regional Park, while snowshoeing is popular in the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Ice fishing has commenced on a few lakes in the area, but ice thickness is questionable given the unseasonably warm temperatures earlier in the week. December 2025 has trended closer to historical averages with more consistent snow cover and a colder start to the month. We are ending the week as we did last week with a partly cloudy, deep blue sky, crisp air, calm winds with near normal to mildly dry conditions and highs in the low 20's.