FARGO, N.D. — A modest warmup is expected across North Dakota and South Dakota during Valentine’s Day weekend, offering a brief break from deep winter cold while snow chances linger through Feb. 20.
High temperatures on Friday and Saturday are forecast to climb into the upper teens and low to mid-20s across much of the Dakotas, including Fargo and Sioux Falls. While these readings remain below freezing, they mark a noticeable improvement from recent subzero conditions. Overnight lows will continue to dip into the single digits and teens, allowing refreezing to remain a concern.
An active northern jet stream will keep periodic chances for light snow across both states. Several weak disturbances may bring scattered snow showers or flurries, particularly during the weekend and again early next week. At this time, widespread heavy snowfall is not expected, but occasional light accumulations could create slick travel conditions, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Winds will remain a factor at times, particularly across open areas of eastern North Dakota and central South Dakota, where gusty conditions could lead to localized blowing snow and reduced visibility even with minimal snowfall.
By early next week, temperatures are expected to remain near seasonal averages, with daytime highs generally holding in the 20s and overnight lows in the teens. While this pattern does not signal an early end to winter, it does reduce the risk of extreme cold through Feb. 20.
Residents should continue to monitor local forecasts, as small shifts in temperature or storm track could affect snowfall coverage and travel conditions during the Valentine’s Day period.
