DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s first week of October brings a taste of fall’s unpredictability. Thunderstorms and gusty winds could challenge Duluth and the North Shore this Saturday, October 4, before calmer weather settles in.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, isolated thunderstorms may develop in northeast Minnesota by Saturday afternoon. Cloud-to-ground lightning, a brief heavy downpour, and gusts reaching 35 mph along I-35 near Duluth are the main hazards. Residents should secure outdoor decorations and plan for changing conditions if traveling Saturday.
Friday stays mostly sunny, offering ideal conditions for early fall yardwork or Halloween decorating. By Saturday, however, strong southwest winds shift to breezy northwest flow, bringing unstable air and storm potential to St. Louis and Carlton Counties. Sunday clears but remains windy, with gusts up to 25 mph before calmer skies arrive Monday.
Drivers should remain cautious along Highway 53 and the I-35 corridor where sudden heavy rain could reduce visibility. Outdoor events in Duluth and Two Harbors may face delays if storms develop Saturday afternoon. Keep devices charged and monitor alerts in case watches are upgraded.
While Saturday carries the only storm risk in the near term, next week’s cooler air signals fall is here to stay.
Five-Day Forecast for Duluth, Minnesota
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 79. South winds 5–10 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 74. Light evening winds.
- Saturday, October 4: Mostly sunny early, storms possible late. High 82. Winds SW 15–20 mph, gusts up to 35 mph.
- Sunday: Breezy and mostly sunny, high 77. Gusts near 25 mph.
- Monday: Calmer skies, mostly sunny, high 59.
