Bismarck, ND – A bitterly cold holiday stretch is taking shape across North Dakota, with NOAA’s Week 3–4 Outlook calling for below-normal temperatures from December 20 through January 2. With Christmas and New Years falling directly inside this window, the state may face a prolonged period of harsh winter conditions.
According to NOAA, the colder-than-normal pattern extends across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and northern Illinois, signaling a broad northern-tier push of Arctic air. Under this setup, even modest precipitation is expected to fall as snow, increasing the risk for travel disruptions statewide.
For precipitation, North Dakota sits within an equal-chances zone, meaning no strong lean toward wetter or drier conditions. However, the persistent cold means any system passing through could bring light to moderate accumulating snow, especially around Christmas weekend. Fast-moving clippers are common during this pattern and may drop quick, powdery snow capable of reducing visibility and creating slick roads.
Communities across Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks, and along I-94 and I-29 should prepare for periodic snow, bitter wind chills, and hazardous travel conditions from Dec. 20–Jan. 2. Northern counties may see enhanced accumulations if Arctic energy taps into stronger disturbances late in the period.
If the pattern holds, North Dakota could experience a classic white Christmas and a frigid start to 2026, with temperatures potentially dipping well below average for several consecutive days.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on system-by-system forecasts as the outlook window approaches.
