Minnesota’s Northland starts the morning in a muted gray, where fog softens the shoreline and damp pavement shines under headlights. Visibility drops fast near Duluth, and slick spots may already be forming on untreated roads as winter weather ramps up in earnest.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning, with visibility under a half mile at times. Patchy freezing drizzle is possible early, especially on elevated or untreated surfaces. Temperatures hover near freezing, which raises concerns for a thin glaze of ice before conditions improve later today.
Attention quickly turns to Sunday. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday morning for Duluth and surrounding counties. Meteorologists say a wintry mix develops first, then transitions to snow by late Sunday. Snowfall totals between 5 and 8 inches are possible, with gusty winds producing blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly Sunday afternoon and evening. Roads like I-35, Highway 53, and Highway 2 may become snow-covered, especially after dark. Drivers heading home from holiday travel should plan extra time and consider delaying trips if possible.
Behind the storm, Arctic air pours in. Highs struggle to reach the teens Monday, while wind chills drop below zero. The cold deepens into midweek, with morning wind chills near 20 below possible as 2026 approaches. Frostbite can occur quickly under these conditions.
By New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, skies turn sunnier but remain bitterly cold. Snow showers may linger into Tuesday before tapering off.
If you’re traveling Sunday or Monday, monitor updates closely, pack winter essentials, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. How are roads looking where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Duluth, Minnesota
Today: Dense fog early, chance of drizzle. High near 37.
Sunday: Wintry mix turning to snow, windy. High near 34.
Monday: Blustery and much colder, snow ending. High near 12.
Tuesday: Snow showers early, very cold. High near 23, low near 2.
Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Mostly sunny, bitter cold. High near 9.
