When is the latest time in the year it has taken Grand Forks to hit the 50-degree mark?
Right about now, it may seem like forever since Grand Forks has seen a 50-degree day, but a local meteorologist with the National Weather Service says he didn't have to dig too deep in the record books to find the last cold, cold spring.
Bill Barrett said the record year for taking its sweet time to warm up was 2013. That year, the thermometer didn't pass the magic get-out-the-grill mark until April 26.
"We had a little film of snow on the ground, and it just never went away. Not only was it chilly that year, but it was cloudy. We just didn't have any sun," Barrett said. "It was one of those times when we broke that string with a real warm day. It shot up to 65 all in one day."
Barrett said the average first day to hit 50 degrees in Grand Forks is March 20, and the earliest day on record was Jan. 10, 1990.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Temperatures have been running 12 to 18 degrees below normal for the first few days of April," Barrett said. "And it's not going to change much over the next few days."
In fact, the forecast calls for below-normal temperatures throughout April. The average high for today's date is 48 degrees, but Grand Forks might be lucky to squeak by at 32.
Average highs in April generally start near 44 degrees and increase to 62 by May 1.
"We could start to pack on a few degrees this week, but we're still going to lag behind the average," he said. "We'll be coming up from behind the last couple of weeks of April."
Barrett said the forecast next week and maybe beyond also calls for a chance of snow every third day or so. The chance for the most significant amount of snow, however, likely will be south of Grand Forks.
Do you have a question about your community? The Herald wants to know, whether it's a question about a construction project, an upcoming event - or whatever else. The Herald is here to help you find answers to what's puzzling you. Send your questions to Ask the Herald at news@gfherald.com .
