MINOT, N.D. – A strong early-season freeze will grip northwest and central North Dakota overnight tonight, from midnight CDT (11PM MDT) until 9AM CDT (8AM MDT) Friday, marking one of the coldest starts of the fall season so far.
According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, a Freeze Warning is in effect for Divide, Burke, Renville, Bottineau, Rolette, Williams, Mountrail, Ward, McHenry, Pierce, Dunn, Mercer, Oliver, and McLean counties, including the cities of Williston, Minot, Bottineau, Rugby, and Garrison. Lows are expected to drop to around 27 degrees, ending the growing season across much of the region.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and damage sensitive vegetation. Residents are urged to cover or bring in plants, disconnect hoses, and drain or wrap outdoor plumbing before temperatures fall below freezing.
Clear skies and light winds will allow rapid cooling after sunset, leading to widespread frost formation. Drivers on U.S. 2, U.S. 83, and ND-37 should prepare for frosted windshields and slick rural roads early Friday morning.
According to meteorologists, this event will likely end the growing season for north-central and northwest North Dakota. Temperatures will rebound modestly into the 50s over the weekend, with another round of frost possible early next week.
