Duluth, Minnesota – Light lake effect snow will continue along Minnesota’s North Shore today, followed by a broader round of light snow this weekend as a fast-moving clipper system crosses the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, areas along the South Shore of Lake Superior may see an additional 1 to 2 inches of lake effect snow today, mainly impacting shoreline communities and travel along Interstate 35 and Highway 61. Snowfall rates will remain light, but cold temperatures may allow snow to accumulate on untreated roads and bridges.
Very cold conditions will persist through tonight. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for parts of northeast Minnesota, with wind chills dropping into the negative teens to 30s below zero late tonight into Friday morning. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes under these conditions.
Attention then turns to the weekend. A clipper system is expected to bring widespread light snow beginning Saturday night and continuing into Sunday, overspreading north-central Minnesota before exiting into northwest Wisconsin Sunday evening. Forecast snow totals from this system are expected to range between 1 and 2 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in persistent snow bands.
Light blowing snow may also develop Saturday night into Sunday morning as southerly wind gusts up to 20 mph accompany the system, potentially reducing visibility at times. Travel impacts may be most noticeable along I-35, Highway 53, Highway 2, and Highway 169, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Temperatures will gradually moderate this weekend and into next week, with highs climbing into the teens and 20s, closer to seasonal norms.
While no major winter storm is expected, the combination of light snow, lingering cold, and occasional blowing snow may create localized slick travel conditions. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and monitor road conditions, particularly in North Shore and northwest Wisconsin communities.
