GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Gray skies and a damp chill hang over the Red River Valley this morning, a sure sign that the November transition has begun. After a mild, mostly cloudy stretch, the region braces for its first true taste of early winter — with a chance for light snow and a biting weekend chill.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a fast-moving system will brush eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota late Friday, bringing scattered rain showers and a brief mix of snow toward evening. Little or no accumulation is expected, but slick bridges and rural roads could develop as temperatures fall sharply behind the front.
Highs will drop from the mid-40s today to the low 30s Friday, then settle near freezing through the weekend. Northwest winds gusting up to 25 mph Saturday will make it feel much colder, with wind chills dipping into the teens by Sunday morning. By Veterans Day, many spots could start the day near 20°F — a clear signal that winter’s grip is tightening across the northern Plains.
Residents planning travel on I-29 or U.S. 2 should monitor changing road conditions and allow extra time Friday evening. Farmers should ensure machinery and livestock are prepared for the sudden freeze. For those decorating early for the holidays, Saturday’s partial sunshine will be the best window before the next cold surge early next week.
Forecasters say this pattern — drier but sharply colder — may hold through mid-November before another potential snow-producing system develops closer to Thanksgiving week.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Forks, ND:
Thu: 48/29 – Mostly cloudy; light southeast wind.
Fri: 34/19 – Cloudy; chance rain/snow late, breezy north winds.
Sat: 23/17 – Partly sunny; brisk and cold.
Sun: 32/16 – Mostly sunny; bitter morning wind chills.
Mon: 36/24 – Partly sunny; steady chill continues.
