Weather Blog for Duluth and the Northland

The next system is on its way, likely bringing another round of wintry precipitation to northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin this afternoon and into the evening.

Ahead of the trough approaching from the Dakotas this morning, we’re seeing a nice low-level jet coming up from the south at 35 to over 50 knots, which is bringing some moisture north with PWATs of up to one-half inch. Lift is also increasing ahead of the trough, with radar echoes increasing late this morning across western and central Minnesota.

Radar loop ends 10:46 AM Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Snow – blue
Mix – pink

The amount of uncertainty in the computer models this close to the event is pretty alarming. I’m not blaming the models if the forecast ends up missing in Duluth, whether we get more or less snow than I’m predicting, but it’s wild to see such big differences in the expected precipitation and snowfall for later this afternoon and evening. Looking back, there have been some pretty big discrepancies in these models over the last few snow events in Duluth, making this a particularly challenging winter for forecasting.

That said, I’m still expecting the lower end of precipitation and snow totals for Duluth today, with around 1 to 2 inches of snow by this evening.

…Regarding the timing of today’s precipitation…

In Duluth and Superior, snow and maybe a bit of sleet are expected to start around 1 or 2 PM today and wrap up before 7 PM. After that, some patchy freezing drizzle could develop early this evening, possibly leaving a light glaze of ice.

NAM 3km model simulated radar forecast ending Midnight tonight.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for the regions highlighted in blue on the map.