North Dakota – The cold feels absolute this morning. Skin stings within seconds, exhaust plumes freeze in place, and the Red River Valley sits locked under a deep Arctic grip that shows little mercy.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, hazardous wind chills are expected each night and morning through Saturday, ranging from 30 to 40 degrees below zero across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Even brief outdoor exposure can become dangerous, especially during early travel hours.
In the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks area, actual temperatures hover below zero while light winds drive wind chills sharply lower. Roads remain mostly dry for now, but vehicles struggle to start and batteries weaken quickly. Drivers on U.S. 2, I-29, and rural highways should be prepared for sudden mechanical issues. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles and avoid unnecessary stops.
Light snow chances return at times late today into Thursday, mainly west of the Red River Valley. Accumulations look light, but any snow can reduce visibility and traction when combined with extreme cold. Additional light snow is possible this weekend, with blowing snow developing Saturday as winds increase.
Daytime highs stay near or below zero through Friday, offering little relief. Saturday brings slightly warmer air, but wind chills remain dangerous during the morning. Conditions improve modestly by Sunday as highs climb into the teens and lower 20s.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook suggests drier conditions developing next week across much of the central U.S., while temperature contrasts sharpen nationwide. For now, the immediate threat remains the cold itself.
Limit time outdoors, cover exposed skin, and check on neighbors. How cold did it feel when you stepped outside today?
Five Day Outlook for Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 0°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near -1°F
- Friday: Sunny, high near -1°F
- Saturday: Chance of snow and blowing snow, high near 16°F
- Sunday: Slight snow chance early, high near 23°F
