textproduct: Duluth

KEY MESSAGES

- Rapidly clearing skies and drier conditions are expected this afternoon as high pressure begins to build into the area.

- Gale force winds and hazardous waves will develop on western Lake Superior late this evening, especially along the North Shore.

- Warmer weather arrives for Sunday as breezy southwest winds push afternoon temperatures into the 50s.

- Clippers continue through the remainder of the forecast as zonal flow brings a train of impulses across the Northland next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 347 AM CST Sat Mar 7 2026

The cold front is finally moving through the forecast area early this morning. Winds across the forecast area have become northwest all across the area, and cooler and drier air is moving in from the northwest. That cooler air has turned all of our MN zones to snow, with some mixed precipitation still ongoing over northwest WI. While most of the Winter Weather Advisories has been allowed to expire, advisories remain in effect until 6 AM for the North Shore and the I-35 corridor. By 6 AM, all the precipitation should have moved out of the MN counties. While we are seeing some mixed precipitation in northwest WI, it should be of short enough duration for it to not be of significant impact. Drivers should remain cautious of icy patches on bridges and overpasses during the early morning hours.

As the low pressure system departs toward the east, skies will clear from west to east. By this afternoon, the region will enjoy mostly sunny conditions with high temperatures reaching the lower 40s. Any lingering patchy fog or drizzle near Lake Superior should dissipate as the northwest winds increase and bring in the drier airmass.

Sunday will feature a dramatic change as the area enters a warm sector ahead of the next approaching system. High temperatures will climb well above seasonal normals, reaching the mid to upper 50s. However, this warm-up will be accompanied by gusty southwest winds, particularly over the waters of Lake Superior.

Early next week, the weather pattern becomes more active, with a series of fast-moving systems moving through mostly zonal flow aloft. This pattern will bring more seasonable temperatures and intermittent chances for light snow to the area. There will be a system passing through the broader region in the Monday night through Tuesday time frame, bringing a period of snow to the Northland. It appears snowfall accumulations should be on the lighter side. We may have another fast moving clipper system later in the week as well.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 533 AM CST Sat Mar 7 2026

Still some lingering snow and wintry mix exiting the region this morning. Behind this satellite shows and extensive LIFR stratus deck stretching back all the way into the Northern Plains. Dry air is expected to clean this up later today with a return to VFR conditions in the afternoon. Overnight a quick moving clipper system wil rush through the region and may provide some brief rain. This clipper will bring both gusty winds at the surface and some low level wind shear.

MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/

Issued at 347 AM CST Sat Mar 7 2026

Northwest winds of 10 to 15 knots with some gusts up to 20 knots will continue this morning before shifting to the southwest late this afternoon. Winds strengthen as a tight pressure gradient sets up for tonight and Sunday. A Gale Warning begins at 8 PM this evening for the North Shore north of Taconite Harbor, where gusts up to 40 knots are expected. Waves will build to 4 to 8 feet overnight. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the remainder of the nearshore waters through Sunday. Winds diminish Sunday night, but are currently expected to increase again on Monday.

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

DLH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MN...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST early this morning for MNZ020-021-037-038. WI...None. MARINE...Gale Warning from 8 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Sunday for LSZ140-141. Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST early this morning for LSZ142. Small Craft Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 4 PM CST Sunday for LSZ142>146-148-150.