North Dakota–Minnesota — Crisp air cuts across the Red River Valley this morning as light flakes drift past streetlights and wind brushes over frozen fields. Pavement stays mostly dry for now, but the setup is changing as the region heads toward busy post-Christmas travel days.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, temperatures hover in the teens today with northwest winds near 15 mph. A few early flurries fade, followed by partial clearing. Highs remain near 13 degrees, keeping untreated roads vulnerable to refreezing after sunset.
Cold holds firm tonight and into Wednesday, though a modest warmup pushes highs closer to the upper teens. Skies turn partly sunny during the day, then clouds thicken again Wednesday night. By Christmas Day, attention shifts to mixed winter precipitation. Snow and sleet may develop around midday, with a brief freezing rain risk later in the afternoon as temperatures approach the upper 20s.
That transition matters for travelers. Even light precipitation near freezing can glaze bridges, Highway 2, U.S. 81, and I-29 ramps. Slushy patches may refreeze quickly once winds increase Thursday night, raising the risk of black ice during evening drives.
Friday keeps the winter theme going. Mostly cloudy skies and highs near 23 degrees combine with a 50 percent chance of snow Friday night. Gusty northwest winds could reduce visibility at times, especially in open rural stretches outside Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Looking ahead, Saturday stays blustery with scattered snow chances and highs in the low 20s. Crews may treat roads repeatedly as melting during daylight gives way to flash freezing after dark.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks ND–East Grand Forks MN
- Today: Light flurries early, high near 13
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 18
- Christmas Day: Snow, sleet, brief freezing rain possible, high near 28
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, snow chance late, high near 23
- Saturday: Windy, chance of snow, high near 23
