Dakota Storm Center: Thursday's Weather Blog

9:00pm

Overview
There is a broad ridge of high pressure stretched across most of the plains, the Midwest and the most of the SE U.S. A low pressure system just north of the Dakotas has a cold front stretched South & West, across the Rockies.

Discussion
Across the area today we saw gradually increasing clouds with unseasonably warm temperatures. There were a few isolated showers around Williston. Today, high temperatures were well above average and near record breaking for some with temps in the 90s. Most of the state topped out in the 80s. Williston broke an 89 degree record set back in 1934. Minot, Grand Forks & Fargo came close to their perspective records with temps in the 90s.

-On a side note, there is some haze aloft. This haze is bringing a little color to our sunset and sunrise. This haze is actually smoke that lifted into the upper atmosphere from Canadian fires. We are not expecting any negative effects from this smoke, but it will make for beautiful sunset/sunrise pictures.

A cold front to our North & West will continue to move through the Northern Plains. This system will move through the Dakotas tomorrow. We will see in & out clouds with a few showers affecting parts of our area. This system will not bring much rain. In fact, any shower activity will be hit & miss for a few areas in Western & Central, ND. As this front moves out of our viewing area, it will begin to redevelop to our South & East. That being said, I am keeping a chance for a few showers in the Forecast. For the most part we will see increasing clouds tonight, followed by clearing skies tomorrow evening. The two biggest changes that this front will bring include; moderate to strong winds that may gust above 30mph and much cooler temperatures in its wake.

Through this weekend we will see more sunshine with temperatures topping out in the lower to mid 70s. Though our weekend temps will be considerably cooler than today & Wednesday, these highs will still be slightly above average for this time of the year (avg temp 39/65). Headlines include a sun/cloud mix with in & out cover expected and a little hazy. Low rain chances tomorrow due to a passing front will be followed by cooler temps ahead and more sunshine this weekend.

Through the rest of tonight & Friday
Expect some haze with a mild feel and temperatures falling back into the 50s. We will see more clouds tonight & tomorrow. As a front moves though the Dakotas Friday, there will be a slight chance for a few showers. In the wake of this passing system, expect clearing skies Friday night followed by cooler temps and winds calming back down.

7day planner
Tomorrow, a weak cold front will move through the area with low rain chances and strong winds. In the wake of this front we will see cooler temps and more sunshine this weekend. After we start the workweek, expect a more significant chance for rain with a second cold front.

Tonight, expect fair to partly cloudy skies with mild temps. Lows 50-61 with a South wind 2-10mph, becoming variable before speeding up.

Friday we will see mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with in & out cover through the Midday and afternoon. A cold front will move through our area, bringing low rain chances. Scattered, light rain is possible. Highs mainly in the 70s with a North wind 10-20mph G30. 10% chance for rain

Friday night expect partly to mostly cloudy skies with low rain chances early, followed by clearing. Lows will be in the 40s with a North/NE wind 5-15mph.

Saturday, we will see plenty of sunshine with in & out light clouds possible and a pleasant feel. Temperatures will be much cooler but still above average for this time of the year. Highs 69-77 with a North wind 2-10mph.

Saturday night, expect mostly clear skies with a few clouds and a pleasantly cool feel. Lows will be in the 40s with a light wind out of the SE.