Strong winds and subzero temperatures tonight with lingering snow, followed by more bursts of arctic air and gusty winds over the weekend.

Early this evening, a strong low-pressure system pushed into the eastern side of Lake Superior as high pressure moved in from the northwest. The steep pressure difference between them is kicking up strong northwest winds across the Northland, boosted by a rush of cold air. By 5 PM, 850mb temperatures ranged from -6°C in Ashland, WI to -20°C in Ely, MN.

Winter weather advisories remain in place tonight for northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, with storm and gale warnings also active for Lake Superior.

A high wind warning and wind advisory remain in effect for the North Shore in northeast Minnesota tonight, with northwest winds gusting between 35 and 60 mph. These strong winds could knock down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages.

Wind-driven snow will persist across parts of the Northland this evening, with occasional heavier bursts (shown in green on the loop). The snow will taper off from northwest to southeast by late tonight, likely ending in Duluth before midnight.

Radar loop ends 5:34 PM Thursday, December 18, 2025.

This was my snowfall forecast for the event, so I’ll find out how accurate it is when the National Weather Service releases their snowfall reports on Friday morning.

In the Duluth area, up to an inch of snow is possible this evening.

Road conditions map for Minnesota as of early Thursday evening.

Some parts of the state are under no-travel advisories (purple), while the far northwest is experiencing road closures due to ongoing blizzard conditions.

In other parts of the state, roads range from partially covered in light blue to completely covered in pink.

A strong system covers a large area from the Great Lakes to the deep south this evening while moisture continues to stream northeast off the Pacific Ocean.

Goes-19 water vapor loop ending 5:30 PM CT Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Today brought a striking temperature drop, with widespread 30s and some 40s in the Northland this morning plunging to around zero and into the teens by the afternoon.

Lows tonight will range from around 5 above to 20 below zero.

Today, northeast Minnesota has experienced widespread wind gusts between 30 and 45 mph, while farther west, gusts have reached 45 to 70 mph. These strong winds have brought blizzard conditions to eastern North Dakota, northeast South Dakota, and western Minnesota.

The next clipper moves through the region Friday afternoon and night, followed by an arctic front on Saturday. Expect a few bursts of snow from both systems between Friday afternoon and Saturday, but accumulations look modest, generally around 0.5 to 2 inches.

Gusty winds are on the way again, especially Saturday, as another blast of arctic air moves into the Northland. Gusts over 30 mph are possible, which could cause some blowing snow.

NAM-Nest simulated radar forecast valid 12 PM Friday to 6 PM Saturday.