Weather
Grand Forks, ND Weather: 40 MPH Wind Gusts Friday, Oct. 23
Grand Forks, ND – Residents across eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley should prepare for a noticeable change in weather Friday, Oct. 23, as wind gusts could reach 40 mph and scattered rain
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-19T10:31:00.529Z
Grand Forks, ND – Residents across eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley should prepare for a noticeable change in weather Friday, Oct. 23, as wind gusts could reach 40 mph and scattered rain showers return following several days of sunshine and unusually mild autumn temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, warm and mostly dry conditions will continue through Thursday before a more unsettled weather pattern arrives Friday, bringing stronger southeast winds, increasing cloud cover and the possibility of rainfall.
Friday, Oct. 23, is expected to bring the strongest winds of the five day forecast , with sustained southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts potentially reaching 40 mph.
The windy conditions could make driving more difficult for high profile vehicles, particularly on exposed highways and open stretches of roadway across the Red River Valley.
Friday's forecast also calls for mostly cloudy skies and a chance of showers, with afternoon temperatures ranging from 65 to 72 degrees across the region.
Before the change arrives, residents can expect several days of pleasant fall weather.
Monday, Oct. 19, will feature sunny skies and highs between 58 and 65 degrees, accompanied by light east winds of 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, brings mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures between 62 and 72 degrees, although south winds could increase to 15 to 25 mph.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, remains mostly sunny, with highs ranging from 58 to 72 degrees.
By Thursday, Oct. 22, afternoon temperatures could reach 68 to 76 degrees, making it potentially the warmest day of the week in parts of the southern Red River Valley.
The approaching Friday weather system marks a shift from the relatively calm conditions expected earlier in the week.
Residents across Grand Forks County and neighboring communities should secure lightweight outdoor items and monitor updated forecasts before Friday's windy conditions develop.