Bismarck, ND – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Bismarck has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for much of northern and central North Dakota, warning of dangerously cold wind chills between 30 and 40 below zero from midnight Thursday night through noon Saturday.
The advisory includes Williston, Minot, Jamestown, Bottineau, Rolette, and Rugby, as well as Divide, Ward, McLean, Sheridan, and Kidder counties.
According to the NWS, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear layers, and cover all exposed skin if travel is unavoidable.
In addition to the extreme cold, gusty northwest winds could lead to areas of blowing snow Friday, reducing visibility and making travel more hazardous across open areas.
Officials recommend keeping emergency kits in vehicles, checking on elderly neighbors, and ensuring pets and livestock have adequate shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Portable heaters should be used safely, and generators should never be run indoors.
Temperatures are expected to remain below zero into the weekend, with only slight moderation possible by late Saturday afternoon.
