The Arctic freeze has officially gripped northern Minnesota. In Duluth, wind whips off Lake Superior under a sky so clear it glows, yet the air burns the skin. Temperatures hover near 0°F, but the wind makes it feel closer to -25°F, with even colder pockets inland by dawn.
The National Weather Service in Duluth warns that wind chills may plunge as low as 30 below zero through early Friday, creating dangerous exposure conditions for anyone outdoors for more than a few minutes. Frostbite can develop in as little as 10 minutes. Schools and early commuters are urged to take precautions — bundle up in layers, limit time outside, and protect pets from the cold.
A light snow system is expected to move in Friday, dropping 1–4 inches across the Arrowhead and North Shore through Friday night. Roads could quickly become slick, especially on Highway 61, the I-35 corridor, and bridges near the harbor.
Temperatures will “warm” slightly into the teens this weekend, though “warm” is relative. Saturday remains brisk but sunny, while Sunday offers a brief thaw with highs near 11°F — before another Arctic push early next week.
Looking further ahead, meteorologists are tracking a stronger winter system expected between December 11–17, which could renew snow chances across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes — a key window for early holiday travel.
Five-Day Outlook (Duluth, MN):
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, breezy; high 15°F, low 11°F.
- Friday: Snow chance; high 26°F, low 5°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; high 14°F, low -5°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, frigid; high 11°F, low -2°F.
- Monday: Cloudy, chance of snow; high near 20°F.
