Minnesota wakes to a dull shine on sidewalks and streets as freezing rain quietly coats the ground. Tires hum differently, footsteps hesitate, and every bridge becomes suspect.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through the morning hours. Light freezing rain creates a thin glaze of ice across Duluth, Pine County, Carlton County, and the North Shore. Even small amounts turn untreated roads slick fast.
Drivers along I-35, Highway 61, and elevated ramps near the harbor face the highest risk early. Sidewalks and parking lots remain slippery, and the morning commute is impacted most. Minnesota 511 urges reduced speeds and extra stopping distance.
Temperatures hover near 30 degrees, keeping ice locked in place through the morning. Conditions gradually improve later, but cloud cover limits melting. To be fair, this is only the opening act.
By Saturday, skies stay gray with highs near the upper 30s. Moisture lingers, and refreezing becomes possible after sunset. Sunday brings a stronger system. Winds increase sharply, gusting over 30 mph, while colder air pours in behind it.
Snow showers and blowing snow reduce visibility at times Sunday night into Monday. Wind chills plunge toward single digits, making exposed travel uncomfortable and risky. Latest models show this cold holding firm into early New Year’s Week 2026.
Holiday travelers should plan extra time, avoid sudden braking, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. Keep blankets, chargers, and winter gear in the car.
How slick are roads where you live this morning? Share conditions as this winter system unfolds.
Five-Day Outlook for Duluth, Minnesota
- Today: Freezing rain early, cloudy, high near 35
- Saturday: Cloudy and cool, high near 38
- Sunday: Cloudy, windy, snow showers possible, high near 33
- Monday: Blustery and colder, scattered snow, high near 13
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, bitter cold, high near 23
