Duluth, Minnesota – A reinforcing surge of Arctic air is expected to settle over northeastern Minnesota between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, maintaining a prolonged stretch of cold temperatures as a clipper system moves through the Upper Midwest.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day temperature outlook, northeastern Minnesota remains firmly positioned within an area favored for below-normal temperatures during this period. The cold pattern is driven by strong ridging across the western U.S. and Alaska, allowing Arctic air to remain entrenched across the northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes.
Daytime high temperatures are expected to stay well below mid-January averages, while overnight lows drop sharply, especially in inland and elevated areas away from Lake Superior. In the wake of the clipper system, increasing northwest winds could lead to dangerously cold wind chills, particularly overnight and during early morning hours. Wind chill values may periodically fall into advisory territory if winds strengthen.
Despite the persistent cold, precipitation chances are expected to remain near normal for this time of year. Forecast guidance does not indicate a strong signal for widespread snowfall during the Jan. 18–22 window, as the Arctic air mass influencing the region is expected to be relatively dry. Any snow that does occur would likely be light and tied to fast-moving systems or localized lake-effect activity along the South Shore.
For northeastern Minnesota residents, including commuters, students, and outdoor workers, the primary impacts through this period will be prolonged cold exposure, hazardous wind chills, and increased heating demand, rather than major winter storms. Cold-weather safety precautions are encouraged, especially for those spending extended time outdoors.
Forecast confidence in the cold pattern remains high, with additional updates expected as wind and temperature details become clearer later this week.
