Warmer weather is on the horizon for the next few days, which is welcome news since May 2026 ranks among the top five coldest Mays on record in parts of the Northland.
Duluth area: The warmest days look to be Sunday through Tuesday, with highs in the 70s and possibly reaching the 80s on Monday and Tuesday. Lake breezes could develop near Lake Superior during this time, bringing cooler temperatures, but if they don’t, much warmer conditions will be felt even close to the lake. By mid to late week, a stronger northeast wind will move in, bringing much cooler temperatures.
Average temperature and departure from normal for May 2026 up to the 22nd.
International Falls, MN
Average: 43.2 degrees
Departure: -6.1 degrees
Record lowest: 43.0 degrees set in 1924
Hibbing, MN
Average: 44.6 degrees
Departure: -3.3 degrees
Record lowest: 45.1 degrees set in 2002
Duluth, MN
Average: 46.0 degrees
Departure: -4.5 degrees
Record lowest: 38.8 degrees set in 1907
Ashland, WI
Average: 47.1 degrees
Departure: -2.9 degrees
Record lowest: 42.8 degrees set in 1907
Brainerd, MN
Average: 48.9 degrees
Departure: -4.8 degrees
Record lowest: 48.1 degrees set in 1927
Northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin are running about 3 to 6 degrees colder than average this month.
Northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin won’t see much rain over the next few days, though a few isolated showers might pop up this evening, and there’s a chance for isolated showers or thunderstorms Sunday afternoon into early evening. Most places should stay dry tonight and through Sunday.
NAM 3km model simulated radar forecast through 7 PM Sunday.
The trough that brought rain to the Northland on Friday night and Saturday morning is continuing to move northeast across Manitoba and western Ontario today.
The upcoming pattern looks quite blocky and amplified, and it appears the Northland will be on the drier side of it.
Goes-19 water vapor loop ending 4:30 PM CT Saturday, May 23, 2026.
