Weather
North Dakota Weather: 74° Thursday, Then 47° by Oct. 25
Grand Forks, ND – Residents in the Grand Forks area should prepare for a major temperature swing heading into the weekend, with afternoon highs expected to fall from 74 degrees Thursday to just 47 deg
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-21T10:43:09.973Z
Grand Forks, ND – Residents in the Grand Forks area should prepare for a major temperature swing heading into the weekend, with afternoon highs expected to fall from 74 degrees Thursday to just 47 degrees Sunday. Gusty winds and a chance of rain Friday will accompany the transition, bringing a noticeably colder finish to the week across the northern Red River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for East Grand Forks, Minnesota, directly across the Red River from Grand Forks, North Dakota, shows a stretch of warmer weather followed by falling temperatures. Friday's winds could gust as high as 36 mph, while rain chances increase during the afternoon and evening.
Warm Weather Gives Way to Gusty Conditions Thursday will offer one of the warmest afternoons of the week, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 74 degrees.
Conditions begin changing Friday as southerly winds strengthen and rain chances return.
The National Weather Service forecasts sustained south southeast winds of 14 22 mph Friday, with gusts reaching 36 mph. Rain becomes possible after 1 p.m., with a 40% precipitation probability.
For residents traveling through Grand Forks County and the greater Grand Forks East Grand Forks metropolitan area, the stronger winds could make driving more challenging for high profile vehicles, particularly on exposed roads.
The approaching change comes as a broader atmospheric pattern supports warmer than average conditions across portions of the central United States before cooler weather reaches the northern Plains.
Grand Forks Area Five Day Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Sunny skies are expected, with a high near 64 degrees. North winds remain around 6 9 mph. Wednesday night turns clear, with temperatures dropping near 35 degrees.
Thursday 10/22: Sunshine continues, with temperatures climbing to approximately 74 degrees. Southeast winds increase to 5 14 mph. Thursday night brings increasing clouds and a low around 55 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Partly sunny and breezy conditions develop, with a high near 73 degrees. Rain chances reach 40% after 1 p.m. South southeast winds of 14 22 mph could gust to 36 mph. Friday night brings a 30% chance of rain before 1 a.m., with a low around 55 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Mostly sunny but breezy conditions are expected, with a high near 61 degrees. West northwest winds around 21 mph could gust to 33 mph. Saturday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 35 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Mostly sunny skies return, but temperatures struggle to reach 47 degrees. West northwest winds remain around 7 9 mph. Sunday night turns partly cloudy, with a low near 30 degrees.
Colder Nights Continue Into Next Week The cooler pattern is expected to persist beyond Sunday.
Monday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 47 degrees, followed by overnight temperatures around 28 degrees.
Tuesday brings mostly sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching approximately 48 degrees.
These overnight lows indicate the potential for freezing conditions early next week, making it important for residents to consider sensitive plants and other outdoor preparations.
Extended Outlook: Late October Weather Pattern NOAA's Climate Prediction Center outlook for October 28 through November 3 places the Grand Forks region within an area favoring above normal temperatures.
The precipitation outlook indicates near normal precipitation probabilities across much of northeastern North Dakota, with a slight tilt toward above normal precipitation farther east.
These outlooks describe longer term probabilities rather than specific daily weather conditions.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts as Friday's stronger winds and the weekend temperature drop approach.
Additional forecasts are available at weather.gov/fgf.