Grand Forks, ND – Winter tightens its grip on the northern Plains today as light snow and flurries move through southeast North Dakota, followed by dangerous cold tonight.
A brief burst of light snow this morning is expected across areas near Wahpeton, Valley City, and Fargo, producing trace to half-inch accumulations. Farther north toward Grand Forks and Grafton, skies will turn partly sunny but remain bitterly cold, with highs ranging from 5°F to 13°F.
North winds of 5–15 mph will make it feel even colder, especially for early travelers or anyone working outdoors. Visibility may briefly drop in morning flurries before improving later today. Roads could become slick in southeast counties, particularly where thin snow covers untreated pavement.
As skies clear tonight, temperatures will fall sharply, dipping into the –9°F to –15°F range across much of eastern North Dakota. Even a light breeze will send wind chills below –20°F, raising the risk of frostbite for anyone unprotected outdoors for more than 15–20 minutes.
Meteorologists note that this cold snap marks the first deep Arctic plunge of December, with another wave of subzero air likely midweek. For now, conditions remain dry Sunday but highs will struggle to reach the teens.
Five-Day Outlook (Grand Forks, ND)
Saturday: Light snow SE ND, highs 5–13°F.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, lows –9°F to –15°F.
Sunday: Mostly sunny but cold, highs 10–15°F.
Monday: Increasing clouds, highs near 18°F.
Tuesday–Wednesday: Flurries possible, highs in the 20s, lows near 0°F.
