Weather From the Hill

Weather From the Hill documents Grand Marais, Minnesota's only official town weatherman, Olaf Thorvaldsen's time on the north shore of Lake Superior. He served as the weatherman in 1926.

May 20, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week appears likely to bring clouds, light rain, and temperatures nearer to what is usual for the season, with daytime highs mostly in the 50s. Though the rainfall is not expected to amount to much, the cooler air, moist conditions, and the greening spreading through the trees and roadsides should lessen the recent fire danger. Even so, by month’s end May will have brought scarcely two-thirds of its normal rainfall. That dryness helps explain why the recent fire this side of Cascade spread with such speed, destroying Creech's camps along with the fish houses of Herman Helmerson, Olaf Olson, Peter Olson, Nels Wick, Hilmer Aabick, Peter Fredrickson, and Chris Johnson. Dry woods have a way of settling arguments in favor of the fire. The coming week appears likely to bring clouds, light rain, and temperatures nearer to what is usual for the season, with daytime highs mostly in the 50s. Though the rainfall is not expected to amount to much, the cooler air, moist conditions, and the greening spreading through the trees and roadsides should lessen the recent fire danger. Even so, by month’s end May will have brought scarcely two-thirds of its normal rainfall. That dryness helps explain why the recent fire this side of Cascade spread with such speed, destroying Creech's camps along with the fish houses of Herman Helmerson, Olaf Olson, Peter Olson, Nels Wick, Hilmer Aabick, Peter Fredrickson, and Chris Johnson. Dry woods have a way of settling arguments in favor of the fire.

May 20, 2026

May 13, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week will bring southerly winds, blue skies, and temperatures that will feel more like August than the middle of May. By next week, conditions should return nearer to normal, accompanied by increasing cloud cover. These warm days will hasten the swelling of buds and the bursting forth of leaves across the county. The feeling of spring is plainly in the air. The coming week will bring southerly winds, blue skies, and temperatures that will feel more like August than the middle of May. By next week, conditions should return nearer to normal, accompanied by increasing cloud cover. These warm days will hasten the swelling of buds and the bursting forth of leaves across the county. The feeling of spring is plainly in the air.

May 14, 2026

May 6, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week will bring a taste of spring to town and, farther inland, something nearer to summer. Temperatures will rise to seasonable levels, with dry, sunny days and a steady wind over the weekend; conditions well suited to fire and therefore requiring care. Clouds will return next week, bringing cooler air. The longer outlook suggests a warming trend. The coming week will bring a taste of spring to town and, farther inland, something nearer to summer. Temperatures will rise to seasonable levels, with dry, sunny days and a steady wind over the weekend; conditions well suited to fire and therefore requiring care. Clouds will return next week, bringing cooler air. The longer outlook suggests a warming trend.

May 06, 2026

April 29, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

As April takes her leave, her temperatures remain behind. The opening of May appears unseasonable, with the chance of light snow next Monday and Tuesday. For the first week, expect mostly cloudy and dreary conditions, and the grasses and town yards will likely stay brown a while longer. In the low places and along the edges of the woods, the first signs of spring are beginning to show. Bloodroot in bloom and the leaves of marsh marigold turning green, which are easily missed if a man keeps his eyes only ahead. As April takes her leave, her temperatures remain behind. The opening of May appears unseasonable, with the chance of light snow next Monday and Tuesday. For the first week, expect mostly cloudy and dreary conditions, and the grasses and town yards will likely stay brown a while longer. In the low places and along the edges of the woods, the first signs of spring are beginning to show. Bloodroot in bloom and the leaves of marsh marigold turning green, which are easily missed if a man keeps his eyes only ahead.

May 06, 2026

April 22, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week appears likely to run cooler than is usual for late April, with daytime temperatures mostly in the 40s. Expect cloudy skies and a fair amount of wind on several days. Rain should fall through most of next Tuesday. Around the weather tower, the snow has now gone from all but the darkest places in the woods, where winter still stakes a few quiet claims. The coming week appears likely to run cooler than is usual for late April, with daytime temperatures mostly in the 40s. Expect cloudy skies and a fair amount of wind on several days. Rain should fall through most of next Tuesday. Around the weather tower, the snow has now gone from all but the darkest places in the woods, where winter still stakes a few quiet claims.

April 29, 2026

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, May 1926 | NOAA

Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from May 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026. Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from May 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026.

April 21, 2026

April 15, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Spring, it seems, intends to arrive all at once this coming week. Temperatures will leap into the 70s, and inland may climb into the 80s beneath blue skies and a high sun. Much of the remaining snow will vanish in the warmth, ushering in mud season faster than many would like, but welcome all the same. Even so, there is something stirring in the wind that suggests a return to snow in early May. Spring, it seems, intends to arrive all at once this coming week. Temperatures will leap into the 70s, and inland may climb into the 80s beneath blue skies and a high sun. Much of the remaining snow will vanish in the warmth, ushering in mud season faster than many would like, but welcome all the same. Even so, there is something stirring in the wind that suggests a return to snow in early May.

April 15, 2026

April 8, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Another week of winter’s hold lies before us. Daytime temperatures will climb above freezing, yet still sit below what April usually promises. On Tuesday, much like last week, expect another round of snow, about an inch and a half in town, with greater amounts inland. Even so, the brown seams of earth are beginning to show through the thinning snowpack. I am told that mud season is nearly upon us and that a northern Minnesota mud season is something a man ought to experience at least once before calling himself a man. My own forecast is that the ice will go out on Lake Superior by tomorrow. Another week of winter’s hold lies before us. Daytime temperatures will climb above freezing, yet still sit below what April usually promises. On Tuesday, much like last week, expect another round of snow, about an inch and a half in town, with greater amounts inland. Even so, the brown seams of earth are beginning to show through the thinning snowpack. I am told that mud season is nearly upon us and that a northern Minnesota mud season is something a man ought to experience at least once before calling himself a man. My own forecast is that the ice will go out on Lake Superior by tomorrow.

April 08, 2026

April 1, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Winter seems intent on lingering past its welcome. The coming week will run colder than is customary for early April, with daytime temperatures only narrowly climbing above freezing. Snow is likely next Tuesday and should leave a half-inch cover in town, with deeper totals for those living farther inland. Winter seems intent on lingering past its welcome. The coming week will run colder than is customary for early April, with daytime temperatures only narrowly climbing above freezing. Snow is likely next Tuesday and should leave a half-inch cover in town, with deeper totals for those living farther inland.

April 02, 2026

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, April 1926 | NOAA

Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from April 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026. Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from April 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026.

March 27, 2026

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, April 1926 | NOAA

March 25, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Though spring made a brief appearance in the county last Saturday, the coming week will return to colder conditions, with daytime highs remaining below freezing and average temperatures falling below normal. Despite the chill, the days should be marked by sun and generally calm weather through the weekend. By Sunday, however, a system is expected to bring three inches or more of snow, with heavier amounts likely inland. Though spring made a brief appearance in the county last Saturday, the coming week will return to colder conditions, with daytime highs remaining below freezing and average temperatures falling below normal. Despite the chill, the days should be marked by sun and generally calm weather through the weekend. By Sunday, however, a system is expected to bring three inches or more of snow, with heavier amounts likely inland.

March 25, 2026

March 18, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Southwest winds over the coming week will bring a taste of spring to our shore. Daytime highs will reach into the 40s and may approach 50 degrees by the middle of next week. Otherwise, expect mostly blue skies during the day with increasing cloud cover at night. Southwest winds over the coming week will bring a taste of spring to our shore. Daytime highs will reach into the 40s and may approach 50 degrees by the middle of next week. Otherwise, expect mostly blue skies during the day with increasing cloud cover at night.

March 18, 2026

March 1926 | Fins, feather, and fur: The Official Bulletin of the Minnesota Game and Fish Department

Brule Lake Trek Appeals to Many. (1926). Fins, Feather, and Fur: The Official Bulletin of the Minnesota Game and Fish Department, (45), pg 68. Brule Lake Trek Appeals to Many. (1926). Fins, Feather, and Fur: The Official Bulletin of the Minnesota Game and Fish Department, (45), pg 68.

March 12, 2026

March 11, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Having just returned from the Brule Lake trek with the Minnesota Game and Fish Department, I hurried to consult the tools of my trade to provide a forecast for the coming week. Conditions will turn milder, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees by next Thursday. Light snow flurries are likely Monday and Wednesday, leaving just enough fresh cover to hide the debris scattered by last week’s winds. Blowing and drifting snow will continue at times, particularly along the road from town toward Port Arthur. Having just returned from the Brule Lake trek with the Minnesota Game and Fish Department, I hurried to consult the tools of my trade to provide a forecast for the coming week. Conditions will turn milder, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees by next Thursday. Light snow flurries are likely Monday and Wednesday, leaving just enough fresh cover to hide the debris scattered by last week’s winds. Blowing and drifting snow will continue at times, particularly along the road from town toward Port Arthur.

March 11, 2026

March 4, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Only last week I remarked that, mild as it has been, March often brings renewed snowfall. That prediction was borne out on the closing days of February, when across the lake at Escanaba, Michigan, the heaviest snowstorm in years brought street car service to a standstill and forced mills and factories to close. Only last week I remarked that, mild as it has been, March often brings renewed snowfall. That prediction was borne out on the closing days of February, when across the lake at Escanaba, Michigan, the heaviest snowstorm in years brought street car service to a standstill and forced mills and factories to close.

March 05, 2026

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, March 1926 | NOAA

Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from March 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026. Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from March 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026.

February 25, 2026

February 25, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

February closes with temperatures remaining above the seasonal average, while the opening days of March are expected to turn colder. Daytime readings during the coming week should reach into the twenties with generally light winds. In other words, what is considered below normal for March will feel milder than much of February. Winter, however, shows no sign of being finished. The weather records indicate that March commonly brings renewed snowfall, and I expect that pattern will hold this year. There is already a hint of a storm in the air, arriving in time for the Minnesota Game and Fish Department’s annual snowshoe trek. February closes with temperatures remaining above the seasonal average, while the opening days of March are expected to turn colder. Daytime readings during the coming week should reach into the twenties with generally light winds. In other words, what is considered below normal for March will feel milder than much of February. Winter, however, shows no sign of being finished. The weather records indicate that March commonly brings renewed snowfall, and I expect that pattern will hold this year. There is already a hint of a storm in the air, arriving in time for the Minnesota Game and Fish Department’s annual snowshoe trek.

February 25, 2026

Snow Removal Operations on Good Harbor Hill, Cook County, Minnesota Circa 1920s

Good Harbor Hill is on old Highway 1 northeast of Good Harbor Bay. Good Harbor Hill is on old Highway 1 northeast of Good Harbor Bay.

February 19, 2026

Snow Removal Operations on Good Harbor Hill, Cook County, Minnesota Circa 1920s

February 18, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Stable winter conditions are expected to continue through the coming week, with daytime highs generally in the twenties and nighttime temperatures falling below zero. By next Wednesday, a warm front moving up from the south is expected to bring milder daytime temperatures along with the final measurable snowfall of the month. Approximately two inches of snow are anticipated on Wednesday, which would bring February’s total snowfall in town to 9.2 inches. Stable winter conditions are expected to continue through the coming week, with daytime highs generally in the twenties and nighttime temperatures falling below zero. By next Wednesday, a warm front moving up from the south is expected to bring milder daytime temperatures along with the final measurable snowfall of the month. Approximately two inches of snow are anticipated on Wednesday, which would bring February’s total snowfall in town to 9.2 inches.

February 18, 2026

February 11, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week will bring continued mild conditions for mid-February. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover near the freezing mark, with Saturday’s high reaching approximately 38 degrees. Snow and mixed precipitation are likely to accompany the warmer air on Saturday, with an estimated inch and a half of accumulation, followed by another inch on Sunday. Inland areas will remain colder and may receive slightly heavier snowfall. The remainder of the week should be clear, with temperatures dropping below zero overnight but moderating during the day. The coming week will bring continued mild conditions for mid-February. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover near the freezing mark, with Saturday’s high reaching approximately 38 degrees. Snow and mixed precipitation are likely to accompany the warmer air on Saturday, with an estimated inch and a half of accumulation, followed by another inch on Sunday. Inland areas will remain colder and may receive slightly heavier snowfall. The remainder of the week should be clear, with temperatures dropping below zero overnight but moderating during the day.

February 11, 2026

Snow Removal with Caterpillar Tractors (circa 1926)

Example snowplows from 1926. Example snowplows from 1926.

February 09, 2026

Snow Removal with Caterpillar Tractors (circa 1926)

February 4, 1926 Weather From the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

Temperatures over the coming week are expected to remain mild, with Saturday likely to rise above freezing. Much of the week will be above seasonal normal. Sunday is expected to bring several inches of fresh snow. Night temperatures should remain above zero until next Wednesday. Winds will be light, and it should not be long before Lake Superior begins to freeze in earnest. Temperatures over the coming week are expected to remain mild, with Saturday likely to rise above freezing. Much of the week will be above seasonal normal. Sunday is expected to bring several inches of fresh snow. Night temperatures should remain above zero until next Wednesday. Winds will be light, and it should not be long before Lake Superior begins to freeze in earnest.

February 04, 2026

Tuesday, February 2, 1926 WEATHERMAN WINS FAVOR IN GRAND MARAIS | The Duluth Herald

WEATHERMAN WINS FAVOR IN GRAND MARAIS WEATHERMAN WINS FAVOR IN GRAND MARAIS

February 02, 2026

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, February 1926 | NOAA

Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from February 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026. Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from February 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026.

January 30, 2026

January 28, 1926 Weather from the Hill, Olaf Thorvaldsen | Cook County News Herald

The coming week appears set to bring daytime temperatures back into the twenties. Conditions should remain calm but largely overcast, with light snow on most days and heavier amounts expected on Friday and again on the final day of the month. It looks to be the sort of week where the world takes on the appearance of a snow globe. If you have not seen one, a relative newly arrived in this country recently showed me such an object, it’s a small winter scene enclosed in glass, where, when shaken, the snow drifts down and settles again. I am told these may soon be available for purchase here. The coming week appears set to bring daytime temperatures back into the twenties. Conditions should remain calm but largely overcast, with light snow on most days and heavier amounts expected on Friday and again on the final day of the month. It looks to be the sort of week where the world takes on the appearance of a snow globe. If you have not seen one, a relative newly arrived in this country recently showed me such an object, it’s a small winter scene enclosed in glass, where, when shaken, the snow drifts down and settles again. I am told these may soon be available for purchase here.

January 28, 2026

January 21, 1926 | Cook County News Herald

The coming week is expected to turn colder, with conditions more in keeping with late January. Strong winds are likely on the 24th and into the 25th, accompanied by blowing snow and accumulations of several inches. Travel may be difficult at times, particularly during periods of drifting. High school students walking to school on Monday should take care, as temperatures near 8 degrees, combined with wind, will make conditions severe. The coming week is expected to turn colder, with conditions more in keeping with late January. Strong winds are likely on the 24th and into the 25th, accompanied by blowing snow and accumulations of several inches. Travel may be difficult at times, particularly during periods of drifting. High school students walking to school on Monday should take care, as temperatures near 8 degrees, combined with wind, will make conditions severe.

January 21, 2026

Souvenir Lake Superior International Highway Port Arthur, Fort William, Canada and Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Highway 1 bridge over the Cross River, Minnesota. Highway 1 bridge over the Cross River, Minnesota.

January 20, 2026

January 14, 1926 | Cook County News Herald

Last week, our kindly editor allowed me more space than usual, so I will keep things shorter this time. I would like to thank everyone for the dances at the Trading Post. It was good to see the floor put to proper use, and I am still feeling it in my legs. Last week, our kindly editor allowed me more space than usual, so I will keep things shorter this time. I would like to thank everyone for the dances at the Trading Post. It was good to see the floor put to proper use, and I am still feeling it in my legs.

January 14, 2026

January 7, 1926 | Cook County News Herald

Before turning to the weather, I would like to thank the City of Grand Marais and its residents for the warm welcome and the appointment as town weatherman. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead. I plan to attend the Saturday dance at the Trading Post Rustic Room, where, as a gentleman, I will gladly pay the one-dollar admission. I am told that ladies are admitted free. Coincidentally, the annual cost of a subscription to the Cook County News Herald is also one dollar, which seems a fair arrangement all around. Before turning to the weather, I would like to thank the City of Grand Marais and its residents for the warm welcome and the appointment as town weatherman. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead. I plan to attend the Saturday dance at the Trading Post Rustic Room, where, as a gentleman, I will gladly pay the one-dollar admission. I am told that ladies are admitted free. Coincidentally, the annual cost of a subscription to the Cook County News Herald is also one dollar, which seems a fair arrangement all around.

January 07, 2026

Map of Lake and Cook counties in the Minnesota Arrowhead Country. 1926

A map that official Grand Marais Weatherman Olaf Thorvaldsen would have used in 1926. Full sized. A map that official Grand Marais Weatherman Olaf Thorvaldsen would have used in 1926. Full sized.

January 05, 2026

Map of Lake and Cook counties in the Minnesota Arrowhead Country. 1926

Climatological Data for GRAND MARAIS, MN, January 1926 | NOAA

Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from January 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026. Climatological data from the Grand Marais, Minnesota weather station from January 1926. Weather data provided by NOAA Regional Climate Centers. Accessed January 1, 2026.

January 01, 2026

December 31, 1925 | Cook County News Herald

Grand Marais, Minn. — Grand Marais has officially appointed Olaf Thorvaldsen to the newly created position of town weatherman. Thorvaldsen will occupy the recently constructed weather observation tower at the top of the hill. Grand Marais, Minn. — Grand Marais has officially appointed Olaf Thorvaldsen to the newly created position of town weatherman. Thorvaldsen will occupy the recently constructed weather observation tower at the top of the hill.

January 01, 2026