Minnesota – Wind rattles windows along the Lake Superior shoreline this morning as Duluth starts the day locked in deep winter. The cold cuts fast, and the next 48 hours bring a mix of snow, ice, and dangerous wind chills.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures hover near 14 degrees early, with brisk winds pushing wind chills even lower. Roads remain mostly dry for now, but blowing snow and drifting can develop quickly in exposed areas. Dress in layers and limit time outdoors when possible.
Skies brighten briefly today, and highs approach 40 degrees. To be fair, that warmth is short-lived. Winds increase, gusting over 30 mph at times, especially near the lake and higher terrain. Travel may feel unsettled, even without snow falling yet.
Conditions change Wednesday night. A wintry mix develops, starting as drizzle or freezing rain before transitioning to snow. Gusty winds combine with falling snow, reducing visibility and making untreated roads slick. Bridges, hills, and rural routes could become hazardous quickly.
Thursday, December 18th, brings the most significant impact. Snow and freezing rain remain likely, with periods of blowing snow through the afternoon. New accumulation is expected, though amounts vary by location. Winds may gust over 40 mph, creating whiteout conditions in open areas. Travel disruptions are likely on Highway 53, I-35, and along the North Shore.
Colder air surges in Thursday night. Temperatures plunge below zero, and wind chills drop dangerously low by early Friday. Any melted snow will refreeze, increasing black ice risks for the morning commute.
Friday stays bitterly cold, with highs near the teens and lingering snow chances. The weekend remains cold but calmer. Saturday and Sunday stay breezy and mostly dry, with highs near 20 degrees, offering limited relief for holiday travel.
This storm marks a clear winter takeover for northern Minnesota. Prepare now for changing road conditions and dangerous cold.
Are you seeing snow or blowing ice where you live? Share what conditions look like in your area.
5-Day Outlook – Duluth, MN
- Today: Breezy, partly sunny, high near 40°
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds, windy, high near 33°
- Thursday: Snow and freezing rain likely, windy, high near 33°
- Friday: Bitter cold, snow chance, high near 17°
- Saturday: Cold and breezy, high near 19°
