textproduct: Duluth

KEY MESSAGES

- A quick-moving clipper arrives this evening, bringing a light dusting of snow for the Arrowhead and parts of northwest Wisconsin. There is also a potential for a thin glaze of ice from freezing drizzle in central Minnesota and portions of northwest Wisconsin. One to two inches of snow may fall in the Arrowhead.

- Another round of light wintry precipitation is possible Sunday night, especially in the Arrowhead.

- A warming trend begins this weekend, leading to high temperatures in the 30s and low 40s early next week. There will also be periodic chances for light snow or mixed precipitation.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 326 AM CST Sat Feb 7 2026

High pressure is draped across the Northland early this morning, with mostly clear skies and widespread temperatures near and below zero. Sea Gull Lake is reporting 25 below as of 3 AM, and appears to be the coldest report so far this morning. The coldest areas are north of the Iron Range where there are several readings in the 15 to 25 below zero range. This cold snap will be brief. As the high pressure center slides off to the east later today, winds will shift around to the south and southeast. This return flow will kickstart a warming trend, helping temperatures recover into the teens and low 20s by this afternoon. While we start with sunshine, expect clouds to thicken up as the day progresses ahead of the next weather system.

A weak, fast-moving clipper will slide northwest to southeast across the Northland this evening. While moisture is somewhat limited, there is enough lift to squeeze out some light precipitation. Given the existing cold airmass and cold air aloft, the bulk of this precipitation should be snow. However, around the trailing edges of the snow, there is some indication of a switch to FZDZ as we lose ice aloft in the weak forcing environment. Where the precipitation remains all snow, an inch or two of snowfall is possible. By Sunday, milder air continues to flood into the region from the southwest. There is another fast moving but generally weak clipper which will move across the Northland Sunday night which could bring another round of light wintry mix to mainly the Arrowhead. This system will have a warm nose that pushes into the area aloft, leading to the increased probabilities for a wintry precip mix. The bulk of this system will affect Ontario, with most of the precipitation there and we will be on the southwestern edge of the precipitation.

The big story for next week is the warmth. Forecast guidance suggests a prolonged period of near to above normal temperatures. Monday should be the warmest day with highs in the mid to upper 30s, and while Wednesday will be cooler, temperatures rise above freezing for Thursday and Friday as well. While we are currently carrying some small pops for Monday and Monday night, there is not very much consistency between models on this so confidence remains low.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 553 AM CST Sat Feb 7 2026

Surface high pressure over Ontario will drift southeastward through the western Great Lakes during the forecast period, generally keeping conditions VFR. After 08.00Z a weak clipper passes northwest to southeast across the area as the surface ridge of high pressure slides southeast out of the area. There is a small chance of light snow or mixed precipitation beginning around 08.00Z and 08.12Z. VFR Ceilings will gradually develop short periods of MVFR ceilings and visibilities with snow and/or freezing drizzle.

MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/

Issued at 326 AM CST Sat Feb 7 2026

Small Craft Advisories to expire as of 4 AM CST this morning as northwest winds diminish rapidly over the next several hours. Winds to become east to southeast at 10 to 15 knots this afternoon, with waves generally 1 foot or less. A wintry mix of snow and freezing drizzle is possible over the waters tonight. Winds to remain in the 5 to 15 knot range through Monday, as it gradually swings around to the south for Sunday, and then southwest on Monday. Waves to remain generally 1 foot or less through Monday.

For the open water discussion, refer to the NWS Marquette Area Forecast Discussion at weather.gov/mqt.

DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MN...None. WI...None. MARINE...None.