Low clouds and pockets of fog clung to parts of the northern Red River Valley early, with visibility briefly dropping near one mile around Grand Forks before sunshine quickly took over by late morning. Pavement dried fast as temperatures climbed through the 70s, setting the stage for one of the warmest stretches so far this season.
According to the National Weather Service, Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are expected to reach the upper 80s by Memorial Day and Tuesday afternoon. Winds remain relatively light, though southwest breezes could increase slightly during peak heating hours.
The warming trend stretches across eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, including Devils Lake, Fargo, Crookston, and Thief River Falls. Travelers along Interstate 29 should encounter mostly dry conditions through midweek with strong late-May sunshine and low rain chances.
Tuesday stays hot and mainly sunny with highs again approaching 88 degrees. However, slightly higher humidity begins creeping northward into the northern Plains. That added moisture may trigger isolated showers or weak thunderstorms Tuesday night into Wednesday, especially west of the Red River Valley.
No widespread severe weather is expected for now, but forecasters continue monitoring storm development across the Dakotas later this week. Any stronger storm could produce brief gusty winds or small hail as temperatures fluctuate sharply between warm afternoons and cooler nighttime lows.
The broader northern Plains pattern points toward continued above-normal warmth heading into early June. Gardeners and farmers across North Dakota and Minnesota may welcome the extended growing weather after recent chilly mornings and damp conditions.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Forks, North Dakota–Minnesota:
- Monday: Partly sunny and warm, high near 88°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and hot, high near 88°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny with isolated shower chances, high near 87°F
- Thursday: Sunny and warm, high near 85°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 82°F
