Duluth, Minn. – A powerful early October cold snap has brought the first widespread freeze of the season across much of northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, with temperatures plunging into the low 20s overnight and a Freeze Warning remaining in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, subfreezing temperatures as low as 23 degrees have already been observed from International Falls to Hayward, covering the Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park, and the Apostle Islands region. The cold air mass, driven by strong Canadian high pressure, is expected to linger through Wednesday morning, officially ending the growing season across the Northland.
Residents are urged to protect plumbing, drain outdoor hoses, and cover exposed pipes, as well as bring in or insulate any outdoor plants. Agricultural operations across St. Louis, Cass, Aitkin, Pine, Bayfield, and Ashland counties are expected to sustain freeze damage.
The chill will gradually ease after sunrise, but early-morning frost will remain widespread along Highway 53, I-35, and U.S. 2. Skies will turn sunny by afternoon with light northwest winds, but temperatures will stay well below normal, peaking in the upper 40s to low 50s.
The cold, dry air will persist into Thursday before a modest weekend rebound. Still, forecasters warn that overnight frosts are likely to return through the weekend, especially in low-lying rural areas.
