GRAND RAPIDS — Getting through a long Minnesota winter can be easier if there are opportunities to get outside. For skiers, that means snow.
According to meteorologist and KAXE Morning Show weekly guest Bob "Tornado Bob" Conzemius, the outlook for Northern Minnesota is optimistic.
“The exact pattern varies a little bit from what the models have, but they’ve been consistently shown something that would be a little snowier than average, from February onward," he said.
Tornado Bob noted the weather pattern so far this winter has been dominated by clipper systems, which sweep in from the northwest, bringing cold but dry air.
"Systems that come almost due north are not snow producers for us," Bob explained. "The warm air coming in from the west is coming down-slope off the Rockies and plains, and it’s dry. We just don’t get significant precipitation from that — maybe an occasional dusting, but that’s about it."
2025 winter predictions
Looking beyond the two-week mark, long-range weather models hint at possible change and a more typical winter of cold and snow in early February.
- Slightly below-average temperatures (think lows around 10–15 degrees below zero and highs in the 10–15 degrees range).
- Moisture-rich systems moving in from the west, rather than the dry northwest clippers.
"It’s a combination of relatively cold temperatures and moisture streaming northward, which could bring us some decent snowfall events," Bob said.
While these predictions aren’t set in stone, there is some hope for meaningful snow accumulation during February and March.
"The models have consistently been predicting a winter on the cold side this year," Bob added. "And they've also been leaning towards above-average snowfall for February and March. So, we’ll see if that holds true."
For those hoping to hit the cross-country ski trails at places like Mt. Itasca, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Skiers may need to rely on man-made snow in the short term, but natural snow cover could improve significantly by mid-February.
"There’s just a minimally sufficient amount of snow for skiing right now," Bob said. "But it’s definitely not the kind of deep snowpack that many winter enthusiasts look forward to."
Those who love frozen lakes and ice like John Latimer are making the most of the current conditions. With little snow cover on the lakes, some ice is stable and smooth — good for ice skating, ice boating and fishing. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not measure ice thickness on Minnesota lakes, and reminds the public that safety is your responsibility and to check ice thickness frequently.
"This weather gives us much more stable ice. With no snow, the ice freezes thicker and remains clear of slush, making it great for lake activities," Bob explained.
Tune in to the conversation above for John Latimer and Tornado Bob and stories of John’s ice experience this year.
Are you getting outside for winter recreation this winter? Let us know!
