Grand Forks, ND – A biting north wind and a surge of Arctic air are preparing to transform the Red River Valley into a winter landscape this week. The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of central and eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, where 3 to 6 inches of snow could fall Tuesday, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.
The snow will begin early Tuesday and continue through the evening, with the heaviest bursts developing by midday. Blowing and drifting snow could quickly make highways like I-29 and U.S. 2 hazardous for travelers heading to Thanksgiving destinations. Visibility may drop sharply in open rural areas as winds strengthen from the north.
Forecasters warn that bridges and overpasses could ice first, leading to slippery commutes from Fargo to Crookston and across the Grand Forks metro. Those planning early-week travel should allow extra time, pack emergency kits, and monitor updated advisories.
By Wednesday, skies will clear but temperatures will plunge, with morning lows near 12°F and brisk northwest winds keeping wind chills in the single digits. Thanksgiving Day will be cold but calm, with sunshine and highs in the lower 20s. A slight warmup is expected by Friday, though the region will remain locked in early-winter chill.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks, ND:
Tuesday: Snow, high 32°F, low 19°F.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 25°F, low 12°F.
Thursday (Thanksgiving): Mostly sunny, high 22°F, low 6°F.
Friday: Partly cloudy, high 20°F.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 20°F.
