Computer models are still showing an active weather pattern for next week, with one period starting to come into focus—likely around the middle of the week, in the February 17–19 range.
It looks like a broad low-pressure system will develop, stretching from the northern Rockies to the central Plains early to mid next week. It’s still unclear if one main low will form into a stronger system, as there’s also a chance it could stay more spread out, with waves of energy moving through the upper Midwest into next weekend.
The exact details of precipitation amounts, location, intensity, type, and timing will probably shift a bit over the next few days, which is completely normal for a system that’s still about five days out.
The main point is that a system seems to be targeting parts of the Northland by the middle of next week.
Ensemble models continue to show impressive precipitation totals, from about half an inch to over an inch in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin by next Sunday, February 22. If most of this comes down as snow, it could mean some hefty accumulations across much of the Northland. Today’s model trends also point to a colder airmass for the midweek system, which could bring more snow than other types of precipitation—assuming the system tracks far enough north to affect our area.
Note: Duluth is nearing a 20-inch snow deficit for the 2025–2026 season, with only 39.8 inches recorded by 4 PM on February 22—18.5 inches less than the usual for this point in the season.
…Short Term…
Aside from a chance of patchy fog overnight and in the mornings, the next few days will remain dry and mild across the Northland, with highs in the 30s and 40s through Sunday and a slight chance of hitting 50 degrees in some areas. Record or near-record warmth is possible in the region over the coming days.
International Falls, Minnesota came close to tying their daily record high for February 11th, missing it by just 2 degrees. The record of 45, set in 2023, stood firm as today’s high reached 43.
…Record Highs for Friday…
- Brainerd, MN: 49 set 2/13/1947, 1976 and 2011
- Hibbing, MN: 49 set 2/13/2011
- Ashland, WI: 49 set 2/13/1976
- Duluth, MN: 47 set 2/13/1947
- International Falls, MN: 46 set 2/13/2011
Early this morning, subzero temperatures returned to parts of the Northland, with Seagull Lake, MN taking the coldest spot at -12 degrees, followed by Hog Creek, MN at -9 degrees. Ely, MN dipped to -8 degrees, while Glidden, WI saw a low of -5 degrees.
It looks like we’re finally done with the subzero temperatures, at least for a while.
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