North Dakota – Steel-gray skies stretch over the Red River Valley, and the cold cuts fast this morning. Exhaust hangs in the air, wind rattles loose signs, and exposed skin stings within minutes across the Grand Forks region.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, temperatures started in the teens with northwest winds pushing wind chills well below zero. Gusts continue to sweep across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, keeping conditions harsh through the morning and early afternoon.
In Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, the cold combines with steady wind to create difficult travel conditions for drivers and pedestrians. I-29, U.S. Highway 2, and open rural roads may see brief reductions in visibility as loose snow blows across lanes. Vehicles can struggle to start, and anyone outdoors should cover exposed skin and limit time outside.
Later today, winds ease slightly, but cold air remains locked in place. Highs only reach the mid-20s, keeping roads dry but brittle. After sunset, temperatures fall sharply, dropping into the single digits and setting up another round of bitter wind chills by early morning. Drivers should stay alert for icy patches where daytime melting briefly occurs.
By Thursday, a modest warmup begins. Highs climb into the upper 30s, followed by a quick drop back into the teens Thursday night as gusty winds return. Friday stays mostly sunny but colder, with highs near 20.
The weekend offers gradual improvement. Saturday and Sunday bring lighter winds and highs edging toward the upper 20s and low 30s. Early next week trends milder, with longer-range signals pointing toward above-normal temperatures building late next week across the northern Plains.
Plan layers today, allow extra time for travel, and keep winter kits ready. How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks ND–East Grand Forks MN
• Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 25
• Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 37
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 18
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 28
• Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 33
