Total precipitation for our station this past week was 0.08 inches with 1.3 inches of snowfall. For the month of January, we have had 0.44 inches of total precipitation and 3.7 inches of snowfall. Snowpack depth this morning is 6.5 inches with a snow water equivalent (melted value) of 1.43 inches. Temperatures have ranged from a high of 22°F on Wednesday to a low of -29°F below zero this Saturday around midnight. The past week was defined by a severe arctic blast, with temperatures frequently dropping well below zero. The region experienced frigid conditions with light and blowing snow occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20–21), contributing to hazardous travel. Field activity is non-existent due to frozen ground and snow cover. All native flora are currently dormant. Snow cover is sufficient to protect root systems from the extreme cold. Winter birding activity is high, though several local events (such as the Old Cedar Avenue birdwatching trek) were cancelled on January 25 due to the severe cold. Ice thickness on area lakes has increased significantly due to the deep freeze, with many metro-area lakes reporting 12 to 14 inches of solid ice, making them safe for snowmobiles and small vehicles. Local trails are open for snowmobiling, and ice fishing is active, though the extreme wind chills have limited outdoor duration this week. The fire danger is low, and open burning is typically permitted due to snow depth. January 2026 has been significantly colder and more prone to arctic volatility compared to the relatively milder and drier conditions observed during the same month in 2025. We are ending the week with highs around zero degrees and overnight lows of about -15°F to -20°F below zero, mostly clear skies with moderate air quality, and a mild breeze from the northwest of around 10 mph.