North Dakota — A thin band of light rain drifts across Grand Forks before sunrise, leaving a sheen on roads and a cold bite in the air as winds press in from the northwest. Travelers heading out early for growing Thanksgiving trips will feel the sharp, unsettled edge of the season, especially along open stretches near the Red River and the flat farm fields surrounding East Grand Forks. Wet pavement and quick temperature dips may create brief slick spots through the morning.
According to the National Weather Service, skies gradually clear through mid-morning as drier air moves in. Winds ease slightly but continue funneling chilled air across the region. Drivers should still watch for lingering patches of mist, especially on rural routes where colder pockets often settle.
Friday delivers a cleaner slate. Sunshine returns, and light winds allow temperatures to climb into the upper 30s. South winds strengthen by afternoon, pushing milder air north and helping reset the region before the weekend. Saturday offers the warmest window, with highs rising toward the upper 40s—ideal for yard cleanup, last-minute winter prep, or early holiday travel before colder weather returns.
But a Winter Tease hovers beyond the weekend. Sunday stays mostly sunny, though cooler northwest winds build again. By Monday night into Tuesday, models hint at a possible rain-to-snow changeover as colder air deepens. Any accumulation remains uncertain, but the setup could affect early-week travel and serve as a reminder that true winter is close.
This pattern echoes national trends showing a higher chance of heavier snow bands across parts of the northern U.S. from November 25 through early December—a period that aligns with peak Thanksgiving movement.
Five-Day Outlook (Grand Forks ND / East Grand Forks MN)
Saturday: Partly sunny, high 48°.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 45°.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high 46°.
Tuesday: Rain/snow chance, high 39°.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 28°.
