GRAND FORKS, North Dakota – Damp streets glisten under a gray November sky this morning as the region braces for a quick shift from rain to light snow. A colder, drier air mass from Canada is pushing into the Red River Valley, marking the start of a sharp early-November cool down that will linger through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a light mix of rain and snow will develop early today before tapering by midmorning. Though accumulation will stay minimal, temperatures will hold steady in the 30s with brisk north winds gusting near 30 mph. By Saturday, highs will struggle to reach freezing, and overnight lows could dip into the teens — the coldest readings so far this fall.
The pattern signals a clear turn toward winter across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. While skies will clear Saturday afternoon, strong winds will keep the air biting and dry. Sunday morning brings another hard freeze, with lows near 16°F and wind chills in the single digits across rural areas from Crookston to Grafton.
Residents are urged to winterize vehicles, drain outdoor hoses, and check furnaces ahead of the deeper cold expected early next week. Those traveling on I-29 or U.S. 2 should watch for slick bridges and blowing snow north of town today.
Looking ahead, Veterans Day will bring a modest recovery with highs in the 30s, but long-range models hint that more Arctic air could spill south before Thanksgiving — a classic November “winter tease” setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
Fri: 34/21 – Light rain or snow early; breezy, colder north wind.
Sat: 30/18 – Decreasing clouds; cold, gusty north breeze.
Sun: 31/16 – Partly sunny; frigid morning start.
Mon: 35/24 – Mostly cloudy; light west wind.
Tue (Veterans Day): 37/25 – Mostly sunny; chilly but calm.
