Duluth, Minnesota – Drivers across the Northland should prepare for a messy and potentially slippery day as a wintry mix of rain and snow gradually changes to light snow, with travel impacts lingering into Wednesday morning.
Mixed precipitation moved into the Duluth area early Tuesday, producing periods of rain, snow, and a combination of both. While snowfall totals this morning are generally under an inch, slick spots have already developed on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, precipitation will transition to mostly light snow this afternoon as colder air works into the region. For most of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, snow will taper off later today. However, lake-effect snow will persist longer in parts of Iron County, Wisconsin, where additional accumulations of 1 to 4 inches are possible through Wednesday morning.
Travel conditions are expected to remain challenging at times, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when temperatures hover near freezing. Visibility may briefly drop during heavier snow showers, particularly near Lake Superior and in higher terrain.
A brief break in precipitation is expected after sunrise today, but slick roads will remain a concern as temperatures cool. Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and remain alert for changing road conditions.
Looking ahead, forecasters are closely monitoring a clipper system expected to arrive Thursday into Friday. Confidence is high that most of the Northland will see at least 2 inches of snow, with higher totals possible in some areas. Blustery northwest winds on Friday could lead to areas of blowing snow, further reducing visibility.
Beyond the snow, temperatures are trending colder through the remainder of the week. Highs will fall into the 20s and teens by late week, with wind chills dropping into the single digits and below zero in some locations by the weekend.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for winter travel, check road conditions before heading out, and monitor forecast updates as additional advisories may be issued. While today’s snowfall is modest, the combination of mixed precipitation, falling temperatures, and additional snow later this week signals a return to true January conditions across the Duluth region.
