Grand Forks, North Dakota – Drivers along I-29 and US-2 could see visibility drop below one mile before 9 a.m. Wednesday as overnight fog lingers and temperatures split sharply across the Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, intermittent fog will continue each night and morning through Thursday, especially in areas with melting snowpack. As skies partially clear during the day, a dramatic north-to-south temperature contrast will take shape. Highs south of Grand Forks toward Fargo may surge into the lower to mid-50s by Wednesday afternoon, while communities closer to the Canadian border struggle to climb out of the 20s.
That 25 to 30 degree temperature gap will be noticeable along I-29, where road conditions may vary significantly over short distances. Snowmelt south of Highway 2 could refreeze overnight as temperatures dip back into the 20s, creating slick patches for the early commute. North of Grand Forks, limited melting will keep secondary roads snow-covered and colder.
By Thursday night into early Friday, a cold front pushes through eastern North Dakota, introducing the chance for a light wintry mix. Light ice or wet snow could briefly impact travel along US-81 and I-94 during the Friday morning drive, with highs Friday ranging from the mid-20s north to mid-40s south.
Motorists should remain alert for changing visibility in fog-prone areas and watch for refreezing on untreated roads overnight. Additional advisories may be issued ahead of Friday’s system as temperatures trend colder statewide.
