Wind chills will drop into the 35-below to 45-below range as a strong arctic front moves through eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota tonight and Thursday.
The cold air front will also bring blowing and drifting snow to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Anyone planning to travel tonight or Thursday should be prepared for dangerously low wind chill temperatures and reduced visibility in open areas caused by blowing snow.
Expect northerly winds to increase in the northern Red River Valley after midnight and move into the southern valley by Thursday morning, accompanied by that blowing and drifting. Poorest visibility of less than one mile at times is possible, especially in open areas. The lowest visibility might coincide with the Thursday morning commute, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions.
Wind chills will be dangerous, from 25 below to 40 below by Thursday morning. Temperatures may fall during the day, too, providing daytime highs that are well below zero, according to the weather service.
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Snowfall is possible on Friday and Monday as well as Alberta Clipper systems move across the area.
If you don't already have one, a winter weather survival kit for your vehicle is in order in these type of conditions, the weather service advises.
The combination of very cold air and winds can result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken while outdoors, particularly appropriate clothing including a hat and gloves, the weather service says.
The National Weather Service forecast for Grand Forks:
This Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a high near 2. Wind chill values as low as -16. West wind around 8 mph.
Tonight: Widespread blowing snow and a slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -11. Wind chill values as low as -26. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: Areas of blowing snow before 4pm. Mostly sunny and cold, with a temperature falling to around -15 by 5pm. Wind chill values as low as -37. North northwest wind between 8 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -20. Wind chill values as low as -35. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming south southeast.
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Friday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 2. South wind between 8 and 13 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -8.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near -1.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -12.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 7.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 13.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 1.
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Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 16.
