Northern Minnesota Weather: Strong Storms Friday, Cooler Weekend

Duluth, MN – Northern Minnesota faces a sharp weather transition through the weekend, with temperatures dipping into the 40s tonight before a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms Friday and much cooler fall weather Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, skies will be mostly clear tonight aside from a few sprinkles and areas of patchy fog. Overnight lows across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin are forecast to range from 41 to 52 degrees.

Some of the coolest readings are expected around Ely and Hayward at 42 degrees, while Big Falls and See Gull Lake could reach 43. International Falls, Birchwood and Phillips are forecast near 44.

Thursday should provide a quiet break, with partly sunny conditions and highs ranging from 68 to 79 degrees.

Attention then shifts to Friday. The Weather Service said thunderstorms are expected, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe. Highs could reach 74 to 84 degrees before the colder air begins moving into the region.

A noticeable fall cooldown arrives Saturday. Forecast highs range from 63 to 73 degrees, with overnight temperatures falling to between 38 and 46 degrees. That represents a significant change from Friday's potential highs in the 80s.

Sunday remains cool, with highs of only 61 to 66 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms are also possible before rain and storm chances become more limited early next week.

Residents around Duluth, the Iron Range, International Falls and other northern Minnesota communities should monitor Friday's forecast as details about the severe weather threat become clearer. Those with outdoor or travel plans should also prepare for substantially cooler temperatures this weekend.