Bismarck, North Dakota – A notable mid-February thaw is expected to take shape across the Northern Plains beginning Thursday, when temperatures climb above freezing across North Dakota and South Dakota, triggering snowmelt, softer road surfaces, and changing travel conditions through the Feb 13–19 period.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, warmer air pushing north late Wednesday night will lift daytime highs above 32 degrees across much of both states. Temperatures are expected to run above seasonal averages for several consecutive days, marking a sharp shift after prolonged Arctic cold.
In North Dakota, including Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, and Grand Forks, highs rising into the mid to upper 30s will accelerate melting of compacted snow and ice. Slushy conditions are likely on city streets and rural highways, particularly along I-94, US-83, and Highway 2. Refreezing remains a concern overnight as temperatures dip back toward freezing.
Across South Dakota, including Pierre, Aberdeen, Brookings, and Sioux Falls, daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 30s and low 40s increase the potential for wet roads and periods of light rain or mixed precipitation. The South Dakota Department of Transportation cautions that major routes such as I-90, I-29, and US-212 could see slick spots during the morning and evening commute, especially on bridges and overpasses.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into early next week. Additional advisories or short-term alerts may be issued as precipitation timing becomes clearer and overnight refreeze risks continue across the Northern Plains.
