GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The stillness of the northern plains breaks beneath a faint south wind this morning, the air crisp and dry under a pale sky. It’s the calm before the next seasonal shift — a warm weekend stretch set to give way to a sharp, winter-like turn early next week.
The National Weather Service in Grand Forks reports that the region will stay dry and mild through Sunday, with highs near 49°F Saturday and upper 40s Sunday, perfect for travel or outdoor cleanup ahead of Thanksgiving week. But residents should keep an eye on Monday night into Tuesday, when the first notable rain-to-snow system of late November slides across eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
Rain will begin late Monday night, changing to wet snow by Tuesday morning as colder air rushes in from the northwest. Current models suggest 1–2 inches of snow, though amounts could shift depending on the storm’s track. Gusty northwest winds may reach 25–30 mph, reducing visibility and creating slick roads along I-29 and rural highways.
Behind the system, temperatures will plunge from mid-40s Monday to highs in the low 20s by Thanksgiving, reinforcing an early winter feel across the Red River Valley.
Farther south, a national pattern is forming — one that could bring heavy snow (3–10 inches) across parts of the Central Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes between Nov. 25 and Dec. 3. Grand Forks won’t likely see a major accumulation yet, but this next front signals a colder, stormier stretch ahead.
For now, enjoy the sunshine — because by Tuesday, the first true taste of winter may finally arrive.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
Fri: 39/30 – Increasing clouds, calm winds.
Sat: 49/27 – Mostly sunny and pleasant.
Sun: 47/29 – Sunny, mild, light breeze.
Mon: 45/29 – Rain late, windy.
Tue: 35/20 – Rain changing to snow, 1–2” possible.
