Bismarck, ND – North Dakota is bracing for an intense Arctic outbreak starting Saturday, November 30, as temperatures plunge well below zero and dangerous wind chills grip the state through the first week of December.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful Arctic front will surge south from Canada, reinforcing subzero conditions across the Northern Plains. The Climate Prediction Center projects a 70–90% chance of below-normal temperatures, with overnight lows reaching -10°F in some areas and wind chills near -25°F by early Monday.
Drivers along I-94 and I-29 should prepare for hazardous travel conditions, including drifting snow, blowing ice, and near-zero visibility at times. The North Dakota Department of Transportation warns that frostbite could occur in under 15 minutes of exposure, and motorists should avoid unnecessary travel during the coldest periods.
This Arctic blast marks one of the earliest and strongest cold waves of the season, extending its reach into the Upper Midwest and northern Rockies. The extreme cold is expected to persist through the first week of December before slowly moderating.
Residents are urged to take precautions against the extreme cold, including checking furnaces, bringing pets indoors, and preparing emergency car kits for any travel along major highways.
