Minnesota – Wind snaps across the North Shore this morning, rattling signs and pushing waves hard against the Lake Superior shoreline. The cold cuts sharper with each gust, and exposed skin feels the bite almost immediately.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, strong northwest winds develop today, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph along the North Shore. Wind chills hover in the single digits at times as temperatures slide through the 20s. Travel along Highway 61 becomes difficult for high-profile vehicles, especially near exposed lakefront stretches.
Conditions stay dry for now, but clouds thicken later as the atmosphere begins to change. Wednesday brings slightly milder air, with highs climbing near freezing. Winds ease some, though cold remains locked in place across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
Christmas Day introduces the next concern. A chance of snow and freezing rain develops by afternoon, with breezy east winds adding to the chill. According to meteorologists, precipitation chances increase Thursday night into Friday, with a 20 to 50 percent chance of impactful winter weather. Snow, sleet, or freezing rain could create slick roads quickly.
Friday carries the highest travel risk. Highs reach the mid-30s, but mixed precipitation may lead to slushy or icy road conditions across Duluth, Proctor, and Two Harbors. Drivers heading out for post-Christmas travel should plan extra time and monitor conditions closely.
Cold air surges back in this weekend. Temperatures fall sharply Saturday night, with lows dropping below zero by Sunday night. Gusty northwest winds return, increasing the risk of flash freezing where roads remain wet.
Plan for changing conditions and secure loose items today. Winter is tightening its grip fast. Traveling late this week or along the North Shore? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Duluth, Minnesota
- Today: Partly sunny, windy and cold, high near 27
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, slightly milder, high near 32
- Christmas Day: Breezy, chance of snow or freezing rain, high near 29
- Thursday: Wintry mix likely, breezy, high near 35
- Friday: Chance of snow and freezing rain, cloudy, high near 35
