DULUTH, Minn. — The National Weather Service warns that an arctic air mass will sweep into northern Minnesota beginning late Thursday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, biting winds, and bouts of light snow through the weekend.
Highs on Thursday will range from the teens to low 20s, but the real cold arrives by Friday, with daytime highs near 10°F and overnight lows plunging between -20°F and -5°F. Wind chills could drop well below -25°F at times, particularly during the pre-dawn hours of Saturday and Sunday.
Snow showers will accompany the cold, with minor accumulations of one to three inches expected across the Duluth area and the Arrowhead region. The combination of light snow and strong northwest winds will lead to areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially near open country and along exposed stretches of Interstate 35 and Highway 2.
Saturday is expected to be the coldest day of the period, with high temperatures remaining below zero in some northern communities. Conditions will improve slightly by Sunday, though subzero wind chills will persist into early next week.
Residents are urged to take precautions against the extreme cold — dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets. Drivers should also prepare for slick roads and limited visibility, especially during morning and evening commutes.
Forecasters expect the bitter cold to moderate by Tuesday as a milder air mass moves into the region.
