So far in May 2026, a strong trough and northwest flow aloft east of the Rockies have brought much cooler-than-average temperatures, while ridging with warmer-than-average conditions has been limited to parts of the western U.S., especially the Pacific Northwest.
In northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, average temperatures so far in May 2026 have been around 4 to 9 degrees below normal.
One way to eliminate these departures could be a much warmer and more persistent warm pattern from mid to late May. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
International Falls, MN
Average temperature: 37.7 degrees
Departure: -9.2 degrees
Hibbing, MN
Average temperature: 40.0 degrees
Departure: -5.6 degrees
Duluth, MN
Average temperature: 42.0 degrees
Departure: -6.2 degrees
Ashland, WI
Average temperature: 43.8 degrees
Departure: -3.9 degrees
Brainerd, MN
Average temperature: 45.3 degrees
Departure: -6.0 degrees
As of May 10th, 2026, the average temperatures in International Falls, Brainerd, and Hibbing are already colder than those recorded during the coldest May on record.
There are still a few weeks left in May 2026, but here’s a look back at when the coldest May on record happened in the Northland.
- Duluth 38.8 degrees (1907)
- Ashland 42.8 degrees (1907)
- International Falls 43.0 degrees (1924)
- Hibbing 45.1 degrees (2002)
- Brainerd 48.1 degrees (1927)
The highest and lowest temperatures recorded so far this month.
Brainerd
Highest: 69 on May 3
Lowest: 25 on May 7 and 2
Ashland
Highest: 68 on May 3
Lowest: 24 on May 8 and 2
International Falls
Highest: 66 on May 3
Lowest: 18 on May 7 and 1
Duluth
Highest: 65 on May 3
Lowest: 23 on May 1
Hibbing
Highest: 64 on May 3 and 2
Lowest: 19 on May 2
Note: Duluth typically has 15 days in May with highs of 60°F or warmer, 6 days with highs of 70°F or warmer, and 2 days with highs of 80°F or warmer.
As the chart shows, we’ve got some catching up to do to hit our average for 60, 70, and 80-degree days.
So far this month in Duluth, we’ve only had 3 days reach at least 60 degrees, and none have hit 70 or 80 yet.
Duluth has been experiencing a persistent stretch of cool weather this spring.
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