BISMARCK, N.D. – A widespread hard freeze is gripping western and central North Dakota early Sunday, bringing an end to the 2025 growing season and marking one of the coldest mornings of fall so far. The National Weather Service in Bismarck said a Freeze Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. CDT (9 a.m. MDT) for much of the state, including Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, and Rugby.
According to the Weather Service, temperatures dropped into the mid-20s overnight under clear skies and light winds, allowing frost to form rapidly on vehicles, rooftops, and fields. The chill extends from Divide and Williams counties south through Morton, Stark, and Emmons counties. Officials urged residents to protect sensitive plants, disconnect hoses, and cover outdoor faucets to prevent damage from freezing conditions.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture confirmed that the freeze effectively concludes the state’s active harvest period, with most unprotected garden vegetation likely to perish. Motorists on I-94 and U.S. 83 should watch for frost-slick bridges and shaded overpasses early this morning before conditions improve later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service, skies will remain mostly sunny Sunday afternoon, though highs will only recover into the 40s. A gradual warming trend begins Monday, with milder air and above-freezing lows expected by midweek.
