textproduct: Duluth

KEY MESSAGES

- Light precipitation returns overnight into Thursday morning with a wintry mix of freezing rain and snow possible around the Twin Ports and portions of the North and South Shores. Little to no snow and ice accumulations expected.

- A dusting of snow is possible for portions of northwest Wisconsin early Friday before a dry air mass moves in for a precipitation- free weekend.

- Temperatures will cool down for the end of the week before climbing back into the 40s and 50s this weekend, continuing our spring temperature roller coaster.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 314 PM CDT Wed Mar 25 2026

Morning precipitation has ended across the Northland, leaving just a few lingering sprinkles or drizzle at the tip of the Arrowhead this afternoon. The mild temperatures and break in precipitation will last for the rest of the day before our active spring pattern leads to another system tonight. An upper level shortwave and a push of colder air will dive south into our region tonight, bringing a renewed chance for precipitation overnight into Thursday morning.

The main forecast challenge for Thursday morning revolves around a lingering layer of warm air aloft. This warm nose will lead for a favorable environment for freezing rain and drizzle to develop, particularly around the Twin Ports and along the North and South Shores early Thursday. Forecast soundings remain highly variable regarding exactly how long this warm layer will hold on, and therefore uncertainty regarding the duration of the freezing rain threat. Fortunately, the heaviest precipitation is expected to fall where surface temperatures remain above freezing, which is up to a couple tenths of an inch of water. Because of this, any snow and/or ice accumulations will be limited to a trace or a light glaze. A Winter Weather Advisory was considered for areas where ice accumulations are possible, but confidence in impactful accumulations remains too low at this time. Expect any wintry mix to transition to all rain as temperatures warm throughout the morning hours.

Behind this system, a cooler and drier air mass settles over the region. Another passing weak shortwave could bring a trace of snow to portions of northwest Wisconsin early Friday morning, but otherwise, expect precipitation free conditions to end the work week. High temperatures will be noticeably cooler than earlier this week, with the Iron Range struggling to reach above freezing on Friday. However, the temperature roller coaster will continue as we head into the weekend. Expect highs to rebound back into the 40s and 50s as warmer air returns aloft. Looking ahead to next week, a stronger clipper system is possible, which could bring another round of mixed precipitation to the area. The exact track and precipitation types are still highly uncertain at this time.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 1228 PM CDT Wed Mar 25 2026

VFR conditions expected through the rest of today. Tonight, another clipper will move through the Northland with light precipitation and MVFR conditions. Added PROB30s where IFR conditions are possible or where confidence in precipitation is low. Conditions will improve to VFR once again after the clipper passes. West to southwest winds today will veer to northerly winds in the morning with the clipper.

MARINE /FOR NEARSHORE WATERS OF WESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR/

Issued at 314 PM CDT Wed Mar 25 2026

Quiet conditions are expected for the rest of the day with winds at 5 to 10 knots and waves 1 foot or less. Northeast winds will increase tonight into Thursday morning as a low pressure system moves through the region. Expect northeast winds of 10 to 15 knots with gusts approaching 20 knots on Thursday, gradually shifting to the north by Thursday night. Waves will build to 1 to 4 feet, especially along the Outer Apostle Islands and east to Saxon Harbor. This will lead to hazardous conditions for small craft. A Small Craft Advisory has been issued through Thursday afternoon.

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...Small Craft Advisory from 7 AM to 4 PM CDT Thursday for LSZ148- 150.