Some parts of northeast Minnesota have already seen their first 32-degree freeze this fall, but many areas are still waiting, which isn’t too uncommon. In cities like Duluth, the first fall freeze typically occurs between October 1-10, based on the 1991-2020 climate period, and this pattern is similar for Superior, Bayfield, and Ashland.
| Here’s an overview of the first fall freeze dates recorded in various Northland locations this season, along with the average dates for the first fall freeze. International Falls, MN: September 6 Average date is September 15 ***1897-2024 climate period*** Hibbing, MN: September 6 Average date is September 15 ***1938-2024 climate period*** Embarrass, MN: September 27 Average date is September 2 ***1995-2024 climate period*** Duluth, MN: The average date of the first fall freeze is October 1 ***1874-2024 climate period*** Ashland, WI: The average date of the first fall freeze is September 18. ***1893-2024 climate period*** Brainerd, MN: The average date of the first fall freeze is September 22. ***1900-2024 climate period*** Superior, WI: The average date of the first fall freeze is September 30. ***1909-2024 climate period*** |
Since 2000, here’s an overview of when the first 32-degree freeze has occurred in Duluth.
Based on the climate period from 1874 to 2024, the average date for Duluth’s first fall freeze is October 1.
- 2000: September 23
- 2001: September 24
- 2002: September 24
- 2003: September 28
- 2004: October 1
- 2005: October 6
- 2006: October 10
- 2007: September 12
- 2008: October 3
- 2009: October 8
- 2010: September 26
- 2011: September 15
- 2012: October 6
- 2013: October 19
- 2014: October 6
- 2015: October 7
- 2016: October 9
- 2017: October 9
- 2018: September 29
- 2019: October 24
- 2020: September 17
- 2021: October 21
- 2022: September 28
- 2023: October 16
- 2024: October 14
- 2025: ???
Note: Looking at the long-range computer models, it seems the first fall freeze in Duluth will likely happen around mid-October, similar to 2024 and 2023. However, whether it will be as late as it was in 2021 or 2019 remains to be seen.
The warmth has taken over this month, easing away the chill we felt at the beginning.
In Duluth, 18 days this month have been warmer than average, compared to 8 days that have been cooler than average.
Since September 13th, 94% of days in Duluth have been warmer than normal.
Temperature anomalies in the Northland for September 2025, as of September 27th.
Hibbing, MN: +4.0 degrees above normal
International Falls, MN: +2.8 degrees above normal
Brainerd, MN: +2.5 degrees above normal
Ashland, WI: +1.6 degrees above normal
Duluth, MN: +0.7 degrees above normal
Here’s a look at the departure from normal temperature for September 2025 up to the 27th.
Areas near Lake Superior have experienced monthly average temperatures close to normal so far this month, while the rest of the region has been seeing warmer-than-normal conditions.
Leave a Reply