Grand Forks, ND — The coldest air of the season is moving into eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota today, bringing wind chills that will remain dangerous through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks.
Hazardous wind chills will overspread the region beginning early Friday and linger through the weekend. Forecast data shows widespread values of –25°F to –35°F, with some locations potentially reaching –40°F, especially overnight Friday into Saturday and again late Saturday night. The NWS notes a 30% chance that the region could meet extreme cold warning criteria, defined as wind chills of –40°F or colder.
Temperatures are expected to remain well below zero overnight, with Saturday afternoon offering only a brief window of slight improvement. Even as temperatures rise modestly, persistent breezy northwest winds will keep wind chills dangerously low.
Forecasters warn that frostbite on exposed skin can occur within minutes under these conditions. Residents are urged to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors. Travelers should carry a winter survival kit, as vehicle breakdowns in extreme cold can quickly become life-threatening.
The weather service also advises checking on vulnerable neighbors, ensuring pets are brought indoors, and preparing for difficult outdoor working conditions.
Wind chills will gradually improve Sunday afternoon as the core of the Arctic air mass shifts east, though temperatures will remain below normal into early next week.
