North Dakota greets the morning under a pale sky, with light snow drifting across open fields and wind scraping loose powder back onto roads. Visibility drops quickly at times, and the cold already feels unforgiving as winter tightens its grip across the Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through early evening for northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, including Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Snow totals stay light, generally up to one inch, but gusts near 45 mph will cause blowing snow and sudden visibility drops, especially on Highway 2, U.S. 81, and rural roads.
As snow tapers later today, the bigger concern becomes the cold. A Cold Weather Advisory begins late tonight, followed by an Extreme Cold Watch starting Thursday afternoon and lasting into the weekend. Wind chills could plunge to 35 to 50 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Drivers should slow down in open areas where drifting snow persists. Keep a winter survival kit in vehicles, charge phones, and limit time outside once winds increase. Flash freezing is also possible where snow briefly melts and refreezes on treated roads.
Conditions stay locked in through the weekend, with little daytime relief. The broader 6–10 day outlook keeps much of the northern Plains below normal, while milder air builds across the Southwest. More precipitation chances return next week as systems track east.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks, ND / East Grand Forks, MN
Today: Snow and blowing snow, high near 13.
Thursday: Blustery, bitter cold, high near -14.
Friday: Sunny but frigid, high near -12.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, extreme cold, high near -5.
Sunday: Cold but quieter, high near -3.
