GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Gray skies and a cold, restless wind mark a sharp Halloween morning across the Red River Valley as the region braces for its first snowflakes of the season. Roads remain damp, leaves swirl across parking lots, and the air carries that familiar, metallic chill signaling winter’s first step into the northern Plains.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, scattered light rain and snow showers are expected through midday Friday, mainly north and east of Highway 2. A brief snow mix could begin midmorning before transitioning to light rain later in the afternoon. Accumulations should stay light, less than half an inch, but slick spots may develop on bridges or rural roads—especially north of Crookston and Thief River Falls.
The precipitation exits by late Friday as winds shift from the northwest, ushering in a calmer and drier weekend. Saturday brings partly sunny skies with highs in the low 40s, warming into the mid-50s by Monday as southerly flow returns. Lows dip near freezing each night, keeping mornings crisp but manageable for outdoor work or early decorating.
While this system stays minor, it marks a turning point. Models hint at another, stronger cold front late next week—one that could bring a more substantial snow chance across northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Residents should stay alert for updates as November’s colder pattern starts to lock in.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, offering one extra hour to prep cars, check heaters, and enjoy the region’s brief stretch of fall calm before deeper cold arrives.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
Fri: 44/29 – Light rain and snow mix; brisk northwest breeze.
Sat: 43/34 – Partly sunny; cool but calm.
Sun: 49/36 – Mostly clear; seasonal chill early.
Mon: 53/33 – Sunny; mild start to the week.
Tue: 47/28 – Partly cloudy; early signs of next cold push.
