BISMARCK, N.D. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, issued Thursday, Oct. 16, paints a harsh and relentless picture for North Dakota — a winter marked by deep snow, blizzard conditions, and intense Arctic cold stretching well into March. The Climate Prediction Center’s data shows above-normal precipitation and strongly below-normal temperatures across the Northern Plains, the signature of a powerful La Niña pattern.
According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, “This season’s setup is primed for frequent clipper systems and extended subzero outbreaks. We expect significant snowpack across most of the state.” Cities like Fargo, Minot, and Jamestown could see snow totals well above normal, with numerous systems bringing high winds and dangerous wind chills.
Forecasters highlight late January through mid-February as the peak of the season’s cold, when temperatures may plunge below -20°F and wind chills could approach -40°F. Travel on I-94 and U.S. 83 may be frequently disrupted by whiteouts and drifting snow. ND DOT advises carrying survival kits and full fuel tanks during long drives across rural stretches.
NOAA cautions that March may bring only gradual moderation, with deep frost persisting into early April. Persistent snow cover could also delay spring planting and river thaw.
For North Dakota, Winter 2026 looks long, cold, and punishing — the kind of old-school season that demands layered preparation, reliable heat, and steady endurance until the final melt.
