Duluth, Minnesota – Dense marine fog blanketing Minnesota’s South Shore is disrupting travel early Wednesday, with visibility plunging to just 1/4 mile in some areas and advisories in effect through mid-morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Dense Fog Advisory remains active until 9 a.m. for inland counties and 10 a.m. for marine zones, including parts of Lake and Cook Counties along Lake Superior. The marine layer began pushing southward overnight, reducing visibility across roadways, ports, and shoreline communities.
Cities like Duluth, Two Harbors, and Grand Marais are seeing significant fog-related impacts on early commutes and shipping operations. Traffic along Highways 61 and 2 may be slowed, especially in areas closer to the lake. The NWS advises drivers to use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and allow extra time for travel during the morning hours.
Boaters navigating coastal waters should be prepared for poor visibility and are urged to use radar or GPS navigation tools. This type of dense marine fog is not unusual for July, especially when warm, humid air moves over colder lake water.
The advisory is expected to expire late Wednesday morning, but additional fog development may occur overnight if conditions persist.
