DULUTH, MN — Snowflakes swirl again across the North Shore this weekend as winter weather tightens its grip on Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Cold air pouring across Lake Superior will fuel lake-effect snow showers and gusty winds, just as post-Thanksgiving travelers hit the roads Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Duluth warns that additional accumulating snow is likely through Saturday night, particularly near Lake Superior’s South Shore and the I-35 corridor. Most areas could see 1 to 3 inches, though localized bands east of Duluth may pick up heavier totals. Strong northwest winds — gusting to 30 mph — will reduce visibility and blow snow back onto cleared roads, creating slick travel from Two Harbors to Ashland.
Temperatures remain well below freezing, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-20s and nighttime lows near 10°F. The wind chill will bite hard, dropping into the single digits through the weekend. Anyone traveling Saturday should plan extra time, carry winter gear, and watch for drifting snow on exposed stretches of highway.
This pattern signals the region’s first true early-December cold snap, matching NOAA’s national outlook showing below-normal temperatures dominating the northern U.S. through December 6. Meteorologists are also watching signs of a broader winter storm setup early next week, potentially adding another round of snow to the upper Midwest.
Five-Day Outlook (Duluth, MN)
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 25°F.
Saturday: Snow showers likely, high 15°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 19°F.
Monday: Cold, partly cloudy, high 20°F.
Tuesday: Slight snow chance, high 22°F.
