North Dakota – Snow snakes across open fields this morning, lifted and scattered by strong northwest winds that howl through the Red River Valley. Visibility drops suddenly on rural roads, wind rattles vehicles, and the cold feels instant and unforgiving. Conditions can change fast today, especially outside city limits.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, light snow combined with gusts between 35 and 45 mph will cause intermittent blowing snow this afternoon and into the evening. Portions of northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, including the Grand Forks–East Grand Forks area, could briefly see near-blizzard conditions in open country.
In Grand Forks, temperatures hover near zero early, with wind chills plunging well below minus 20. Even small amounts of snow become a problem when driven by strong winds. Rural highways, including U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 75, may experience sudden visibility drops. Drivers should slow down and be ready for quick whiteouts.
East Grand Forks and communities along the Red River face similar risks. Snow drifts can form quickly, and exposed roads may ice over as blowing snow packs down. After sunset, refreezing worsens travel conditions, even where roads appeared clear earlier.
The wind eases slightly by Wednesday, but the cold does not. Morning wind chills remain dangerous through Friday, with overnight lows dipping well below zero. A brief break in snowfall arrives midweek, though light snow chances return this weekend, adding fresh fuel for blowing snow issues.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook favors colder-than-normal temperatures across the northern Plains into early February, while overall precipitation trends lean lower. That keeps winter hazards focused on wind and cold rather than heavy snow.
Limit travel if possible today, carry emergency gear, and watch visibility closely. Are you seeing blowing snow where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Today: Blowing snow at times. High near -2.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High near 0.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near -1.
- Friday: Sunny but frigid. High near 0.
- Saturday: Chance of snow developing. High near 16.
