Grand Forks, North Dakota – A light wintry mix is expected to develop across parts of northwest and west-central Minnesota and the Red River Valley this afternoon into tonight, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory and raising concerns for travel impacts.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, warmer air aloft combined with an upper-level disturbance will bring a mix of light snow, freezing drizzle, sleet, and freezing rain beginning this afternoon and continuing into the overnight hours. The advisory is in effect from noon Christmas Day through 6 a.m. CST Friday.
Forecasters say the most likely scenario involves a light glaze of ice developing in some locations. However, the National Weather Service notes there is a higher risk of ice impacts across portions of northern Minnesota, where travel conditions could deteriorate more quickly.
The advisory area includes much of the Red River Valley, affecting communities such as Grand Forks, Fargo, Thief River Falls, Crookston, Ada, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, and Wadena, among others.
Travel may be impacted as roads, bridges, and overpasses become slick, particularly during the evening and overnight hours. The National Weather Service urges travelers to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions, especially those driving later today or tonight.
Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions before traveling. Updates are available through 511mn.org in Minnesota and travel.dot.nd.gov in North Dakota.
Winter Weather Advisories are issued when wintry precipitation is expected to cause travel difficulties, even when amounts remain light.
