Ice out progressing north into central Minnesota lakes

Ice-out is moving north through central Minnesota. Higher temperatures, sunshine and gusty winds are helping to break up the ice on many Minnesota lakes.

Ice-out is now happening in many central Minnesota lakes in some of the most popular recreation areas.

Gull Lake chain losing ice

The latest Minnesota DNR ice-out report shows some of the lakes in the Gull Lakes chain near Brainerd are now ice-free.

This NASA MODIS 250-meter satellite shot from Thursday afternoon shows a mix of open water and remaining ice cover. You can also clearly see Mille Lacs and Leech lakes holding ice cover for now.

Faster ice-out next week

Higher temperatures next week will speed up the pace of ice-out in northern Minnesota. I expect we’ll see ice out on many Iron Range and other northern Minnesota lakes next week.

Here’s a look at temperature forecasts for Duluth into next week.