From 72 to snow

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If you don’t like the weather in the Northland, just wait a minute. It will change.

The high temperature in Duluth Wednesday afternoon hit 72 degrees under a warm sun. But just 12 hours later the temperature dropped nearly 40 degrees and it officially snowed at Duluth International Airport.

Just a trace, mind you, but snow. On May 14.

Babbitt, Embarrass and Little Fork all reported a quarter-inch of snow accumulation this morning, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported.

Snow in May isn’t unusual. Duluth has seen at least a trace of snow six days already this month, including nearly a half-inch on May 5.

Gardeners eager to plant should still be careful. The forecast calls for a good chance of thunderstorms on Friday, windy conditions on Saturday and overnight temperatures at or below the freezing mark right through Monday morning.

The Minnesota State Climatology Office reports that the average last date of 32 degree low temperatures at Duluth International Airport is May 17.

But to be absolutely sure of no frost in Duluth you’d have to wait until May 29. And in parts of north-central St. Louis County, the coldest place in Minnesota, you’d have to wait until after June 25 to guarantee no frost.

Tags: news, weather, snow, gardening, food