Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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It’s that time of year. Minnesotans venture out onto lakes to ice-fish and enjoy lakes in winter.

December ice thickness and stability on Minnesota lakes are typically sketchy. We’ve had some subzero air to help build some ice. The Twin Cities have logged four days with subzero temperatures so far this season. Duluth has recorded seven days at or below zero.

December temperatures are running 2.5 degrees colder than average so far in the Twin Cities. December is running more than 4 degrees colder than average in Duluth.

But we’ve also had some warm spells, and snow cover to insulate the ice from the cold air above.

The result is highly variable ice thickness on Minnesota lakes, over short distances. Check out this report from 

Minnesotans are pretty savvy about ice safety. But every year we see vehicles, and sometimes people go through the ice. 

Here are some good guidelines for ice thickness on Minnesota lakes. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Ice reports show wide variability over short distances on Minnesota lakes.

Ice thickness report: 'Extreme caution is necessary'

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