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To the low precipitation in January.

With minimal precipitation in January, last month will be recorded as the January with the lowest amount of precipitation in the city of Albert Lea on record, according to the national climate archives dating back to 1886.

Measurements taken at Albert Lea’s Wastewater Treatment Plant recorded .01 inches during the month. Looking at the archives, after the 2025 new record, the next lowest January precipitation total in Albert Lea came in 1962 with .02 inches and 1900 and 1896 with .03 inches.

While it was nice not having to drive through any snow, we’re sure the lack of precipitation will have effects on us later.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District in its newsletter last week wrote that the lack of snow could spur growth of curly-leaf pondweed in Fountain Lake. Without the snow on the lake, the sun can penetrate deep into the lakes earlier than normal and help aquatic plants grow.

In this case, curly-leaf pondweed is one of the first plants to grow and can grow into dense mats and choke out healthy, native aquatic plants.

We’re likely to see a repeat of 2024.

To 16 years of the Big Freeze in Albert Lea.

If you like winter, or even just a little fun, this weekend is a good time to get outdoors in Albert Lea with the return of the 16th annual Big Freeze winter festival.

Events kicked off Friday with live music at 112 on Broadway and are slated to continue throughout the day on Saturday, starting with the Plunge for the Park at Edgewater Bay at 11 a.m. and the chili cookoff at the Edgewater Bay Pavilion.

More than a dozen teams have signed up so far for the plunge, with proceeds to go to support that All Together Albert Lea Inclusive Playground, which will open in the spring.

There are also several other activities, including an ice fishing tournament at City Beach, as well as a shopping event downtown, among others.

Bundle up and have a little fun as you enjoy the 16th year of this winter festival.

It seems like it was just yesterday that it began.