Weather
Duluth, MN Weather Alert: 35 MPH Chilly Wind Gusts Oct 16
Duluth, MN – Rain, gusty winds and a chilly Friday night will bring changing weather to the western Lake Superior shoreline before a warmer, breezy weekend develops. Showers are likely Thursday, with
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-15T09:07:47.455Z
Duluth, MN – Rain, gusty winds and a chilly Friday night will bring changing weather to the western Lake Superior shoreline before a warmer, breezy weekend develops. Showers are likely Thursday, with a 70% chance of precipitation and temperatures holding near 47 degrees. Winds will strengthen Thursday night and Friday, potentially gusting to 35 mph before temperatures fall to approximately 34 degrees Friday night. By Sunday, sunshine and highs in the lower 60s could offer a noticeable improvement for outdoor activities around Duluth.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, showers are most likely after 11 a.m. Thursday, with cloudy skies and temperatures remaining near 47 degrees. The forecast calls for less than one tenth of an inch of new precipitation during the day. Rain chances decrease to 50% Thursday night, although breezy conditions will develop as west winds shift north after midnight, increasing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph.
Friday Winds Bring a Chilly Start to the Weekend Friday will begin mostly cloudy before skies gradually clear, allowing temperatures to reach approximately 50 degrees. North winds of 20 to 25 mph are expected to decrease to 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph. Those conditions could make outdoor activities feel considerably cooler, particularly along the exposed Lake Superior waterfront.
The combination of rain and gusty winds may also affect travel along Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 53 and Minnesota Highway 61. Wet pavement Thursday could require additional stopping distance, while stronger winds Friday may be noticeable on elevated roadways and exposed stretches near the lake. The supplied forecast does not indicate road closures or widespread travel disruptions.
Friday night will bring the coldest temperatures in the available forecast, with clear skies and a low near 34 degrees. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will become southwesterly after midnight, with occasional gusts reaching 15 mph. Temperatures approaching freezing could make the early Saturday morning hours especially chilly, although the forecast does not specifically indicate frost, freezing precipitation or accumulating snow.
Saturday Sunshine Begins a Weekend Warmup Saturday will bring a welcome change as sunshine returns and temperatures climb to approximately 57 degrees. Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph could produce gusts as high as 30 mph, keeping conditions breezy despite the warmer afternoon. Residents planning outdoor recreation along the Lake Superior shoreline should account for the stronger winds.
Saturday night will remain mostly clear and breezy, with temperatures falling to around 43 degrees. Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph could continue gusting to 30 mph, maintaining a noticeable breeze into the evening hours.
Sunday Brings Warmer Temperatures Near Lake Superior Sunday offers the warmest conditions of the weekend, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 63 degrees. Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph could still gust to 30 mph, making the afternoon breezy despite the warmer temperatures.
The warming trend should continue into Monday, when temperatures are expected to reach approximately 61 degrees under sunny skies. Tuesday will bring another mostly sunny day with highs near 60, followed by temperatures around 63 Wednesday and a slight chance of showers.
For Duluth residents, Thursday's rain and Friday's stronger winds represent the most immediate weather concerns, while the weekend offers improving skies and gradually warmer afternoons.
Will the return of sunshine and temperatures near 63 degrees change your weekend plans around Duluth?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are likely, mainly after 11 a.m., with a 70% precipitation chance and temperatures near 47 degrees. Rain chances decrease to 50% Thursday night, with a low around 43 and wind gusts reaching 30 mph.
Friday 10/16: Mostly cloudy skies will gradually clear, with a high near 50 degrees and north winds gusting to 35 mph. Friday night will turn clear and chilly, with temperatures falling to approximately 34 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies and a high near 57 degrees will bring improving weather, although southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph could gust to 30 mph. Saturday night will remain mostly clear and breezy, with a low near 43.
Sunday 10/18: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 63 degrees and southwest winds gusting to 30 mph. Partly cloudy skies are expected Sunday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 42 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunny skies and a high near 61 degrees will continue the stretch of milder weather around Duluth. West winds near 5 mph are expected, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 42 degrees Monday night.
Extended Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday is expected to remain sunny, with a high near 60 degrees and light east winds increasing to 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon. Tuesday night will become partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 45 degrees.
Wednesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 63 degrees, along with a slight chance of showers. South winds of 5 to 10 mph could gust to 20 mph.