North Dakota – A glaze of ice clings to sidewalks and overpasses across the Red River Valley this morning as freezing drizzle falls through dense fog. Streetlights glow through the mist across Grand Forks, and slick pavement is already slowing drivers on I-29 and U.S. Highway 2.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until late morning as freezing drizzle and fog continue across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Temperatures near 15°F allow even light precipitation to freeze quickly on untreated roads, bridges, and sidewalks.
Visibility remains reduced in fog pockets across Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Drivers may encounter icy patches where drizzle collects on cold pavement. Officials urge commuters to slow down and leave extra distance between vehicles.
Conditions improve slightly later today as freezing drizzle tapers. Skies stay cloudy, but temperatures climb toward the mid-30s, helping melt some ice on treated roads. Still, shaded areas and overpasses may remain slick through the afternoon.
Another round of unsettled weather develops heading into Friday. Light freezing precipitation could redevelop early, then shift toward snow showers as colder air strengthens over the northern Plains. Winds increase through the day, creating a blustery and colder feel with highs near 28°F.
The pattern begins to relax for the weekend. Sunshine returns Saturday with highs climbing near 41°F, bringing the first signs of early March thaw across the Red River Valley.
Sunday looks even milder with partly sunny skies and highs pushing near 49°F. Early Sunday morning also marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, when clocks jump ahead one hour at 2 a.m.
Longer daylight and a gradual warming trend continue into early next week. Highs hover near the upper 30s to lower 40s while meteorologists track additional snow chances developing across the northern Midwest by midweek.
Traveling this morning? Watch for icy spots on bridges and rural highways. What are road conditions like where you are?
Five Day Outlook – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Friday: Chance of wintry mix and snow, blustery, high near 28°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with improving conditions, high near 41°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny and milder with clocks springing ahead early morning, high near 49°F.
Monday: Partly sunny, high near 39°F.
Tuesday: Chance of snow showers returning, high near 31°F.
