Duluth, MN – Northern Minnesota is bracing for its first major winter punch of the season as a Winter Storm Watch takes hold from Tuesday afternoon through late Wednesday night. Heavy snow and strong winds could make travel extremely difficult across the Northland as Thanksgiving week gets underway.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, snow totals between 5 and 10 inches are possible, with localized areas exceeding a foot near the Arrowhead and along the North Shore. Winds may gust up to 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow that could sharply reduce visibility, particularly along I-35, U.S. Highway 53, and routes toward Two Harbors and Ely.
Forecasters say snow will begin Tuesday afternoon as rain changes quickly to snow. The heaviest accumulations are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning — right as peak holiday travel ramps up. Residents are urged to delay nonessential travel, check road conditions frequently, and prepare vehicles for winter driving.
Thanksgiving Day itself looks calmer but cold, with highs in the mid-20s and brisk northwest winds adding to the chill. Another light snow chance could return by Saturday as a reinforcing cold front sweeps in from Canada.
Five-Day Outlook for Duluth, MN:
Tuesday: Rain changing to snow, high 40°F, low 24°F.
Wednesday: Snow and wind, high 29°F, low 20°F.
Thursday (Thanksgiving): Partly sunny and blustery, high 26°F, low 13°F.
Friday: Mostly clear, high 24°F.
Saturday: Chance of light snow, high 23°F.
