Latest Duluth Area Text Forecast Discussion product from NWS:
143
FXUS63 KDLH 252015
AFDDLH
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Duluth MN
315 PM CDT Wed Mar 25 2026
.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.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...KML
AVIATION...KML
MARINE...KML
NWS DLH Office Area Forecast Discussion
