Total precipitation (all rainfall, no snowfall) for our station this past week is 0.07 inches with 1.01 inches for the month of December to date and 30.25 inches of total precipitation year-to-date (92% - 97% of normal from last year). There was no snowfall this week. Total snowpack depth this morning is 5.0 inches with a melted value of 0.90 inches. Temperatures have ranged from about the mid single digits of around 5°F to the mid 40’s. This week Oak Grove experienced a volatile weather pattern characterized by an unseasonable mid-week thaw followed by a significant winter storm beginning mid-day Sunday (today). From December 22 to December 24, Oak Grove saw daily highs reaching into the mid 40s °F, significantly above the historical average high in the high 20s °F. However, a cold front moved in following the Christmas holiday. Today, December 28, the region is under a Winter Storm Warning and a Dense Fog Advisory, with temperatures dropping into the 20s °F as the day progresses and heavy snow or freezing rain expected through the evening. Agriculture in Oak Grove is currently in its dormant winter phase, and most field operations concluded in the late fall. The primary active agricultural sector for this month was the harvest and sale of evergreens (e.g., Balsam Fir, White Pine) at local tree farm sites, which has largely concluded as of today. Apple orchards in the Anoka County area are dormant, with growers typically preparing for late-winter pruning. The landscape is dominated by dormant Oak Savanna species, including the hardy Bur Oak, which is native to the region. Deciduous trees have long since dropped their leaves, while evergreens provide the only significant color. Management of invasive Buckthorn continues this winter as the frozen ground allows for easier access to wetlands without damaging the soil. Frequently spotted are the White-tailed deer, Fox squirrels, and Cottontail rabbits as well as Black-capped chickadees, Northern cardinals, Blue jays, and woodpeckers. Coyotes are also around and can be heard at times after dark in the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Despite the recent thaw, winter recreation remains a focus for the community, such as cross-country skiing and winter hiking at Rum River Central Regional Park and skating. We have seen fewer snowmobilers this week due to recent snowmelt and some uncovered ground on some well-used trails, which will now be refreshed by the incoming storm. December 2025 has followed a similar trend of unseasonable warmth as the prior year with a significant mid-month thaw before returning to more typical winter storm conditions. We are ending the week with a projected 4 to 8 inches of fresh snow during the daytime and another 3 to 5 inches possible overnight for the Oak Grove and greater Anoka County area with the heaviest snowfall expected between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM tonight, where snowfall rates could reach up to 1 inch per hour with travel interruptions likely. Snow began to fall at about 9:00 am Sunday morning. Photos were taken at 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon with total snow accumulation of 1.75 inches so far for the day.