Minnesota’s North Shore wakes under a steel-gray sky, with bitter cold settling into streets and sidewalks. Breath hangs in the air, and winter conditions are tightening their grip as Christmas travel ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, temperatures hover near 21 degrees this morning, with light flurries possible. Skies brighten briefly later today, but cold remains locked in. Tonight turns sharply colder, with lows dipping near 18 degrees, setting the stage for icy conditions wherever moisture lingers.
Christmas Day brings a noticeable shift. Clouds thicken, winds increase, and a chance of snow develops late afternoon, followed by freezing rain during the evening. Highs struggle to reach 29 degrees, and gusty east winds add bite. Even minor ice accumulation could make roads slick quickly.
Conditions worsen into Thursday night. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain becomes more likely, with precipitation chances near 80 percent. New snow and ice amounts appear light, but impacts may be significant. Reduced visibility and icy pavement could complicate regional travel, especially along I-35 and elevated roadways.
Friday stays unsettled. A chance of freezing rain early gives way to snow showers later in the day. Highs climb into the mid-30s, but melting snow may refreeze after sunset, increasing black ice risk.
The spotlight turns to post-Christmas travel on Saturday. Temperatures rise near 37 degrees, with a chance of rain during the afternoon. Wet pavement combined with falling temperatures Saturday night could lead to a rapid freeze. Lows plunge near 10 degrees, and strong winds may gust over 30 mph, worsening travel conditions.
Meteorologists note this system fits a broader winter pattern impacting the Upper Midwest, with shifting precipitation types and fast-changing road conditions.
Travel tips:
Plan extra time Friday and Saturday. Watch bridges closely. Expect conditions to change after dark.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Duluth, MN
- Christmas Day: Snow then freezing rain, high 29
- Thursday Night: Wintry mix, low 26
- Friday: Snow showers possible, high 35
- Saturday: Chance of rain, high 37
- Saturday Night: Rain/snow, windy, low 10
