Duluth, MN – Light snow is expected to overspread Minnesota’s Arrowhead and Borderlands Thursday afternoon as a fast-moving clipper system approaches the region. According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, snowfall totals have increased slightly compared to earlier forecasts, with periods of moderate snow possible into Thursday night.
Forecasters say most locations across the Arrowhead—including Grand Marais, Grand Portage, Silver Bay, and the higher terrain near the North Shore—can expect 2–3 inches of snow. Areas farther inland such as Ely, International Falls, Virginia, and Hibbing are likely to receive 1–2 inches, while spots like Duluth, Two Harbors, Moose Lake, and Brainerd will generally see around 1 inch.
The clipper may also produce brief bursts of heavier snowfall, especially between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday. During this window, snowfall rates could reach 0.5 to 0.75 inches per hour, reducing visibility and creating slick roads during the evening commute.
Snow chances ramp up steadily through the afternoon, with the highest probabilities centered over northeastern Minnesota. Timing charts from NWS Duluth show snow developing between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. from west to east, then tapering off early Friday morning.
Officials note that although snowfall amounts are modest, any quick bursts could create rapidly changing road conditions—particularly along Highway 61, Highway 53, I-35, and other higher-terrain routes where snowfall may be more intense.
Temperatures remain cold enough for snow to accumulate quickly on untreated surfaces, and drivers are urged to allow extra time, increase following distance, and watch for sudden drops in visibility.
Light snow showers may linger into early Friday before conditions improve.
