Fargo, North Dakota – North Dakota remains firmly under the influence of entrenched arctic air as January winds down, with a lingering cold front keeping temperatures well below normal and precipitation chances limited into early February.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Jan. 24–Feb. 6 outlook places North Dakota in an equal-chance category for precipitation while favoring below-normal temperatures statewide. This setup supports a prolonged cold pattern with only isolated chances for light snow rather than widespread or impactful winter storms.
Eastern North Dakota, including Fargo, Grand Forks, and the Red River Valley, is expected to see long stretches of dry but bitterly cold weather. Any snowfall during this period is likely to be light and sporadic, with limited accumulation. Overnight lows dropping sharply below zero could lead to icy patches on untreated roads during morning travel along I-29 and Highway 2.
Central and western North Dakota, including Bismarck, Minot, and Williston, will likely experience the coldest conditions, with wind chills becoming a primary concern at times. Snow chances remain minimal due to a lack of available moisture, keeping travel disruptions relatively limited despite the cold.
The primary impacts statewide will be cold-related, including dangerous wind chills, frozen pipes, increased heating demand, and stress on livestock. Residents are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and protect vulnerable infrastructure.
Below-normal temperatures are expected to persist into early February. While the pattern remains largely quiet, officials note that even small shifts could introduce brief snow chances, and updated alerts may be issued as conditions evolve.
