Weather Blog for Duluth and the Northland

Light snow could make an appearance in parts of the Northland from Friday night into Saturday as a strong upper-level trough moves south and southeast across the upper Midwest. Coming down from Canada, this system won’t carry much moisture, so any snowfall will probably be light—maybe around an inch in some spots.

A stronger low is expected to move north-northeast out of Tennessee on Saturday morning, but it won’t have any effect on our local weather.

Note: It looks like a clipper pattern might return next week (skiffs of snow), but the computer models aren’t showing any strong signals for a major snow event in northeast Minnesota or northwest Wisconsin over the next seven days.

…System for late Thursday-early Friday…

A separate low is still expected to move northeast from the southern Plains on Thursday, but it should remain far enough south of our area to avoid bringing any precipitation.

The highest chances for precipitation late Thursday into early Friday are expected from southern Minnesota up into central Wisconsin, with rain likely turning into a wintry mix and possibly snow in some spots.

HRRR model simulated radar forecast valid 1 PM Thursday to 6 AM Friday.

…More Fog…

Areas of fog are likely across the Northland tonight, lingering into Thursday morning, with visibility of less than a mile expected (pink areas on the loop below).

HRRR model visibility forecast ending 10 AM Thursday.

A dense fog advisory is in effect through late Thursday morning for areas of northeast and east-central Minnesota, including Duluth. Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less, and with temperatures near or below freezing, the fog could lead to icy spots on roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces.

…Temperature trends…

Overall, temperatures in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin look to remain relatively mild for January standards through early next week, although we might begin to see shots of arctic air return once again around the middle or end of next week, but that’s still a ways out.

Highs for January 7th and their departure from normal

Brainerd, MN: 39
Departure: +18 degrees above normal
Record high: 47 set in 2003

Ashland, WI: 38
Departure: +15 degrees above normal
Record high: 49 set in 2003

International Falls, MN: 37
Departure: +16 degrees above normal
Record high: 46 set in 2003

Duluth, MN: 33
Departure: +13 degrees above normal
Record high: 46 set in 2003

Hibbing, MN: 31
Departure: +14 degrees above normal
Record high: 47 set in 2003