Duluth, MN – Northern Minnesota is bracing for a turbulent weather pattern heading into the weekend, with strong storms expected to arrive Friday followed by a sharp cool-down that could bring the region’s first patchy frost of the season.
Storms on the Way
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, showers and thunderstorms will linger Thursday night into Friday. The greatest concern for severe weather comes Friday afternoon in northwest Wisconsin, where damaging winds and large hail will be the primary hazards. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Shift to Cooler Air
Once the storm system moves through, a cooler air mass will spill into the Upper Midwest. Highs on Friday will still reach the 70s, but readings will slide into the 60s over the weekend. Overnight lows will trend progressively cooler, dipping into the 40s by Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Forecasters warn that some sheltered valleys and low-lying areas in the Northland could briefly fall cold enough for patchy frost. While frost is not uncommon this time of year, the recent stretch of warm, summerlike conditions means plants are still vulnerable to sudden cold snaps.
Agricultural and Gardening Concerns
The frost potential is of particular concern to gardeners and growers. Sensitive plants, late-season crops, and decorative flowers may suffer damage if unprotected. The NWS is encouraging residents to prepare ahead of time by:
- Covering gardens with cloths or frost blankets
- Bringing potted plants indoors
- Applying protective measures such as mulch around sensitive plants
Even a light frost can cause damage, so taking precautions early may prevent losses.
Weekend Outlook
While cooler air dominates, the region won’t be completely dry. Additional showers are possible Saturday and Sunday, especially along the International Border and across the Arrowhead region. Cloud cover and wind conditions will ultimately influence how widespread frost becomes, making ongoing forecast updates critical.
Stay Prepared
The NWS stresses the importance of monitoring updated forecasts through the weekend, as small changes in overnight cloudiness or wind speeds could significantly alter frost risk.
Residents are advised to use the next several days to prepare gardens and outdoor plants for early-season cold. Though frost in late August or early September is not unusual for northern Minnesota, this upcoming chill will mark a notable shift from the region’s recent warm spell.
