North Dakota – Snow skitters across frozen pavement as bitter air cuts through Grand Forks and nearby Minnesota border towns. Visibility drops quickly at times, and the cold feels punishing even before the wind picks up. Conditions are already impacting travel, and they will worsen through the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from late morning through early evening. Light snow totals stay under one inch, but gusty winds up to 45 mph will cause blowing snow and sudden visibility drops. A Cold Weather Advisory also continues through midday, with wind chills plunging as low as 40 below zero.
Drivers along I-29, U.S. Highway 2, and rural county roads should expect slippery surfaces and whiteout bursts, especially in open areas of the Red River Valley and Devils Lake Basin. Plan extra time, slow down, and keep headlights on even during daylight hours. Exposed skin can develop frostbite in minutes.
Snow tapers later today, but patchy blowing snow lingers into early evening. Tonight turns quieter, though temperatures fall hard again. Saturday brings patchy blowing snow during the late morning and early afternoon as colder air deepens. Wind chills dip back into the dangerous range, keeping travel difficult at times.
Sunday offers a brief reset. Sunshine returns, winds ease, and highs climb into the teens. Early next week stays cold but calmer, which helps Christmas travel plans across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Even so, meteorologists are watching another late-week pattern shift that could bring renewed winter impacts closer to Christmas.
This is a day to stay alert. Dress for extreme cold, carry winter survival kits, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible. Additional advisories may follow if winds strengthen or snow bands intensify.
Traveling today? Let us know what road conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Forks, North Dakota:
Saturday: Patchy blowing snow, falling to near 5
Sunday: Sunny, high near 12
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 25
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 11
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 26
