Last week was mild – until the end – and stormy as temperatures were 8 degrees above average, though we did not go above freezing.

Due to weather, there will be no p.m. preschool, Early Childhood Special Education or kindergarten today, Monday, Feb. 8, for Prior Lake-Savage Area School District schools. All after-school activities are also canceled. Kids’ Company will remain open until 6 p.m.

District 719 schools will be dismissed during the regular dismissal times today.

Last week started very warm, but ended on the cold side after the big weekend storm brought freezing rain, rain and finally snow.

For the period, temperatures were more than 11 degrees above average as we barely even dropped to freezing on Jan. 23. That day brought rather heavy rain, which is very unusual for January, as almost .5 inches fell.

The storm also brought a very low barometric pressure as it bottomed out at 29.20 inches of mercury on Jan. 24.

By Jonathan Cohen
Last week was very cold, but sunny and dry. Temperatures were almost 13 degrees below average, but the only measurable precipitation was the light snow on the morning of Dec. 30.

That day, and Jan. 6, were the only cloudy days in the whole period. Considering there is a moderate El Nino, the cold weather was rather surprising, as we did, indeed, have a subzero high and five days in a row where the low reached double digits below zero.

By Jonathan Cohen, Prior Lake observer for the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District

Those traveling for the holidays this week can expect a major storm to affect the area from Wednesday at least through Christmas Day.

A wide swath of Minnesota can expect at least a foot of snow, and 20 inches or more are possible in “favored” locations. In addition, enough warm air could mix in early in the storm to cause some freezing rain and sleet.

A blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen for the Scott County area through late Wednesday night.

The snow will persist through Wednesday afternoon, primarily across the warning areas. The heaviest snow will occur south and east of a line from New Ulm to the Twin Cities to Siren, Wis.

Last week was another warm one – for the season – and dry, as temperatures were more than 10 degrees Jonathan Cohenabove average.

Last week was bone dry and very warm for this time of year, as temperatures were more than 12 degrees above Jonathan Cohenaverage. They were more typical of mid-October.