Grand Forks, ND – Lingering wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across eastern North Dakota and parts of western and central Minnesota through the weekend, with a return to thunderstorm chances expected by Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, areas including Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and surrounding counties remain under a hazardous weather outlook due to reduced visibility and health risks from smoke particulates. Light south winds will push smoke back into the area Saturday, and only limited relief is expected until late Sunday.
Parts of the Red River Valley could also see scattered thunderstorms develop by late Tuesday, with chances continuing into Thursday. While severe storms are not guaranteed, gusty winds and localized downpours are possible, especially in counties like Polk, Pennington, and Becker.
Travelers with respiratory concerns should limit outdoor activity, especially during morning and evening hours when smoke tends to settle.
Spotter activation is not expected over the weekend, but new watches or advisories may be issued as thunderstorm chances increase by midweek.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
- Saturday: High 79°F, smoky, breezy south winds up to 23 mph
- Sunday: High 75°F, slight chance of storms after 4 p.m.
- Monday: High 76°F, scattered afternoon thunderstorms
- Tuesday: High 79°F, slight chance of storms late
- Wednesday: High 82°F, chance of storms, humid
