Remembering December 1950 in Duluth

After seeing infrequent and little snowfall during a warm November, Duluth residents have seen the first four days of December 2009 bring light snowfall to the area, with much colder temperatures. Snow and cold are expected to continue to be part of the forecast there well into next week.

For those who might be lamenting the onset of winter-like conditions in Duluth, I would like to remind you of what December is capable of!

The first half of December 1950 brought nothing but snow in Duluth. Records show that snow fell on 12 of the first 14 days, totaling 42.6 inches. The city was all but paralyzed with 2 feet of snow on December 6th. Thankfully the frequency of snowfall tapered off during the second half of the month, but the monthly total of 44.3 inches is still an all-time December snowfall record for the city. With all of the snow remaining on the ground, Duluth residents woke up to below zero temperatures (as cold as -21 F) on 13 mornings during the second half of December 1950.

After enduring that month, residents of Duluth were ready for just about anything. Talk about a character building experience!