/Issued 4:22 PM CST, Thursday, December 30, 2015/
Gusty west winds are possible in the Northland on Friday. The map below shows forecasted wind speeds at 850mb valid for early Friday afternoon per 18z NAM. Source, weather.cod.edu
Tonight’s low temperature forecast. Source, National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota.
Thursday’s high temperature forecast. Source, National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota.
Weather Tidbits for Duluth, Minnesota
*2756 heating degree days since July 1st; This is -907 below the average of 3663. Last year thru December 29th 3425 heating degree days.
Heating degree days definition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heating_degree_day#Problems
2015 is coming to an end, lets take a look at some weather stats for this year at Duluth, Minnesota.
*5 months had above average precipitation – May, August, September, November and December.
*7 months had below average precipitation – January, February, March, April, June, July and October.
*4 consecutive months with below average precipitation (January-April)
*8 months with below average snowfall – January, February, March, April, May, September, October and November.
*1 month with above average snowfall – December.
Note: June, July and August normal snowfall is 0.0″.
*11 months with an above average monthly temperature.
*1 month with a below average monthly temperature (February)
…More 2015 weather stats in the days ahead…
Weather Summary for NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin
Date: December 30, 2015
A broad mid/upper level trough covered the Upper Midwest today with high pressure to our southwest. Mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies covered the area today. Echoes have been showing up on radar since last night but most of this hasn’t been reaching the ground. Highs today were in the teens and 20s with west, northwest or southwest winds under 15 mph.
Forecast Discussion for NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin
Short Term Forecast – Confidence: High.
Tonight through Thursday night (December 30-31)
A weak trough or two will drop southeast across the area through tomorrow night. Mostly cloudy skies will likely persist although some areas of at least partial clearing are certainly possible from time to time. Could be some flurries or light snow showers as well from tonight through Thursday night but no real accumulation to speak of. Lows tonight ranging from the single digits to around 20 degrees. Highs on Thursday in the teens and 20s with lows Thursday night in the single digits and teens. Westerly winds tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night at 10 to 20 mph.
Extended Forecast – Confidence: High.
Friday through Sunday (January 1-3)
Mainly dry this weekend. High temperatures on Friday will be in the teens and 20s with lows Friday night in the single digits and teens. Highs on Saturday will be in the 20s to lower 30s with lows Saturday night in the single digits to around 20 degrees. Highs on Sunday will mainly be in the 20s.
Long Range Forecast – Confidence: High.
(January 4-9)
Above average temperatures are expected during the long range. No major storms showing up that would affect the Northland from the 4th-9th. Note: No doubt about it were now in the quiet part of the cycling weather pattern.
5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH AND SUPERIOR
.Tonight… Considerable cloudiness. Flurries possible. Low 11 to 16. Wind west to southwest at 5 to 15 mph.
.Thursday… Clouds. High 17 to 22. Wind southwest at 10 to 20 mph.
.Thursday night… Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 6 to 11. Wind west at 10 to 15 mph.
.Friday… Partly cloudy. Breezy. High 23 to 27. Wind southwest at 15 to 25 mph.
.Friday night… Partly cloudy. Low 9 to 14.
.Saturday… Partly cloudy. High 26 to 31.
.Saturday night… Partly cloudy. Low 13 to 18.
.Sunday… Partly cloudy. High 25 to 30.
Normal temperatures for Thursday
High: 19
Low: 3
Sunrise Thursday: 7:53 AM CST
Sunset Thursday: 4:30 PM CST
Tim