GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Clear skies stretch over the Red River Valley this morning, but don’t let the calm fool you—winter hints are returning soon. After a few bright, mild days to end the workweek, colder air will surge back into eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, setting up a chilly pattern shift by Sunday night into Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, Thursday will stay mostly sunny with highs near 47°F and light winds. Friday marks the warmest day of the stretch, peaking near 56°F before a dry front ushers in cooler air late Friday night. Saturday’s highs will hover around 45°F, followed by a noticeable drop into the 20s by early Sunday morning.
Winds could gust near 25 mph Friday afternoon, making for a brisk end to an otherwise calm week. By Monday, a developing disturbance may bring a mix of rain and snow to the Red River Valley. While confidence in totals remains low, early models suggest light precipitation could cause slick spots during the Monday morning commute—especially along Highway 2 and I-29 north toward the state line.
Residents should keep an eye on changing conditions and prepare for near-freezing mornings through early next week. The pattern fits an early “winter tease” typical for mid-November across the northern Plains—a reminder to check tire pressure, outdoor pipes, and travel plans as Thanksgiving approaches.
And while the rare G4 solar storm that lit up northern skies earlier this week fades, minor communication disruptions remain possible through today across the northern tier.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND–East Grand Forks, MN:
Thu: 47/32 – Mostly sunny; calm breeze.
Fri: 56/36 – Mild and breezy; gusts near 25 mph.
Sat: 45/23 – Cooler; partly sunny and dry.
Sun: 38/21 – Increasing clouds; brisk northwest winds.
Mon: 36/29 – Rain-snow mix possible; colder air returns.
