DULUTH, Minn. – A fast-moving Alberta Clipper will sweep through the Northland late Thursday into Friday, bringing a mix of rain, sleet, and light snow to parts of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin’s South Shore. While most areas will stay wet rather than white, roads may turn slick for some communities by early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Duluth, precipitation will begin as rain Thursday afternoon before a brief wintry mix develops across the Arrowhead and along Lake Superior’s South Shore Thursday night. Areas from Ely to International Falls could see light snow accumulation, while Houghton and Ashland may experience brief freezing rain or sleet. Warm ground temperatures, however, are expected to limit any measurable snow to grassy surfaces.
Forecasters expect the system to exit by midday Friday, followed by breezy northwest winds and gradually cooler air into the weekend. While no major winter impacts are expected, morning commuters should watch for patchy ice on bridges and elevated roads, especially north of U.S. Highway 2.
Travelers are advised to reduce speed on wet or slushy stretches and allow extra braking distance. Residents should also stay alert for changing conditions overnight, as temperatures briefly dip near freezing across the Iron Range and inland lakes.
