Bismarck, North Dakota – An intense blast of arctic air is expected to lock in across North Dakota late this week, bringing some of the coldest conditions of the winter and creating dangerous, potentially life-threatening wind chills across the state.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, the core of the extreme cold will arrive by Friday, with the harshest conditions settling in through the weekend and persisting into early next week. Wind chills could plunge to minus 40 to minus 50 degrees across much of central and eastern North Dakota, with the coldest readings likely overnight and during early morning hours.
Daytime temperatures statewide are expected to struggle well below zero, even during peak afternoon hours. Bismarck, Minot, and Jamestown may see wind chills dip near minus 45, while areas closer to the Canadian border, including Williston and Devils Lake, face the highest risk for prolonged exposure and frostbite in just minutes.
The prolonged cold raises concerns for travel, power reliability, and outdoor safety. North Dakota DOT officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel during the coldest periods, carry winter survival kits, and keep fuel tanks full. Residents are advised to protect pets, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure homes and pipes are properly insulated.
The extreme cold is expected to linger into early next week, with additional advisories or warnings likely as the event unfolds. Residents should stay alert for updates as conditions remain dangerous across the region.
