North Dakota – A sharp, cold dawn spreads across the Red River Valley as thin clouds drift over frosted fields and a light southwest breeze skims across I-29. The air feels brittle and still, and headlights glint off patches of ice crusting roadside grass north of Grand Forks. The calm moment carries a clear November signal: a brief warm-up arrives Friday, but an early winter shift looms early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, today stays sunny with highs near the upper 40s, offering a welcome break from the week’s colder stretch. Residents should take advantage of the calmer weather for errands, outdoor cleanup, or early holiday planning. Winds increase Friday as warmer air moves in, pushing highs into the upper 50s while gusts reach 25 mph.
According to the Minnesota and North Dakota Departments of Transportation, breezy conditions may create cross-winds on exposed stretches of I-29 and Highway 2 Friday afternoon. Drivers should secure cargo and stay alert near open fields where blowing dust sometimes develops in dry pockets.
Saturday brings clearer skies and another mild afternoon before temperatures dip Sunday night. According to NWS Grand Forks, a developing system arrives Monday with a 30 percent chance of rain during the day and a small window for a rain–snow mix Monday night as colder air settles in. No major accumulation is expected in Grand Forks or East Grand Forks, but higher terrain northeast of town could see a dusting if temperatures fall into the mid-20s.
The early-week change marks a classic “winter tease” for the northern Plains. After all, November frequently delivers these quick swings, especially as Thanksgiving approaches and larger systems begin to form across the region.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
Fri: 57/33 – Increasing clouds; breezy.
Sat: 41/23 – Mostly sunny; gusty north winds.
Sun: 39/21 – Sunny; cool.
Mon: 47/24 – Chance rain; possible mix late.
Tue: 37/23 – Mostly cloudy; cooler trend.
