Bismarck, North Dakota – Snow-covered roads could redevelop before 8 a.m. Thursday along I-94 and U.S. Highway 83 as a series of systems targets the Northern Plains, keeping winter firmly in place despite milder air trying to push in from the south.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, North Dakota sits in a 50 to 60 percent above-normal precipitation zone through Tuesday, signaling an active stretch across the state. At the same time, the 8-to-14-day temperature outlook shows a divide, with parts of the region leaning below normal while areas farther east trend milder.
In Bismarck, where average highs this time of year sit near 20 degrees, temperatures may fluctuate between brief thaws into the 30s and colder snaps that refreeze melted snow. Fargo and Grand Forks could see periodic light to moderate snowfall, especially during overnight hours when road temperatures drop quickly. Along I-29, blowing snow may reduce visibility if winds increase behind passing systems.
Unlike much of the Midwest and eastern United States, which is trending 15 to 20 degrees above average, North Dakota remains closer to the colder side of the jet stream. That setup supports additional snow chances rather than a full transition to rain.
Drivers should allow extra travel time during morning commutes, keep winter emergency kits in vehicles and monitor NDDOT updates for changing road conditions. The active pattern continues into early next week, and additional advisories remain possible. Winter is not done with North Dakota just yet.
