Fargo, North Dakota – A mid-January warming trend could increase the risk of freezing rain across the eastern Dakotas, raising concerns for icy travel as milder air moves into a region where cold air often remains locked near the surface.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, eastern North Dakota and eastern South Dakota are favored to see above-normal temperatures during the January 9–13 period, while precipitation trends near normal. This pattern frequently supports freezing rain when warmer air aloft overruns stubborn surface cold.
The highest risk for icing includes the Red River Valley, eastern North Dakota, and northeastern South Dakota, affecting communities such as Fargo, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Watertown, and Brookings. Even light ice accumulation could make travel hazardous on I-29, I-94, U.S. 81, and untreated rural highways.
Farther south toward Sioux Falls, precipitation may fall as a mix of rain and freezing rain, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Daytime warming could briefly change precipitation to rain before temperatures drop again after sunset, increasing the risk for refreezing.
Residents are urged to closely monitor road conditions and prepare for rapidly changing travel impacts. Additional advisories may be issued as the pattern becomes clearer closer to mid-January, particularly if colder air proves slower to retreat across the eastern Dakotas.
