Dakota Storm Center: Wednesday's Weather Blog

9:00pm

A Frost Advisory is in effect for the Western third of North Dakota until Thursday at 7am mdt.
Counties include: Stark, Hettinger, Adams, Bowman, Slope, Billings, Golden Valley, Dunn, McKenzie, Mountrail, Williams, Burke & Divide in North Dakota

Overview

There is a low pressure system over the Midwest with a cold front stretched SW into the Southern Plains, connecting to a second low. This system is bringing a risk for severe weather to affected areas. A Warm front is stretched through the Ohio River valley and to the mid- Atlantic coastline. Another low is over the Northern Plains and moving East & NE.

Discussion

Across the area today we saw mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and some clearing at times. High temperatures ranged from the mid 40s through the 50s & 60s and to near 70. The warm spot on the map was Fargo at 70. The cool spot was Southwest North Dakota. Baker only reached 46.

A low pressure system that was just north of Minot will continue to move East & NE and away from the Dakotas. A cold front will develop and trail this low. The next wave of this system will move through our area Thursday night. So, we will see a lot of changes during the next 24-48 hours. Tonight & Thursday we will see some clearing as temperatures fall through the 40s and into the 30s. Some lows will dip to near and below the Freezing Mark. After Thursday night lows will be near freezing for much of our area. Friday through this weekend, we will see plenty of sunshine as a ridge of high pressure anchors its self over the area. By the beginning of the work week, we will see temps warming back into the 60s.

Headlines include In & out clouds with winds becoming breezy for some. The next chance for rain will be Thursday night and a weather alert is in effect for parts of our area.

Through the rest of tonight & Thursday

Overnight, a low pressure system will move East & NE, away from the Dakotas. We will see gradually decreasing clouds, resulting in fair to partly cloudy skies. It will feel chilly tonight with temps falling to near the freezing mark. Winds will remain moderate, becoming a little gusty at times. Tomorrow will bring in & out clouds, with plenty of sunshine for much of our area. Temperatures will climb through the 50s and to either side of 60 with warmer temps to the south. Thursday night will be our next chance for rain.

7day planner

Scattered rain with mostly cloudy skies and moderate to strong winds are expected as a low pressure system moves out of the area. In the wake of this low, skies will begin to clear out on Thursday, followed by a weak cold front moving through our area Thursday night. This next front will bring another chance for rain, followed by cooler temps as we go into the weekend. Tomorrow morning, patchy frost is possible. Friday, Saturday & Sunday morning widespread AM frost will be possible

Tonight, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies with tapering rain chances, followed by gradually clearing skies. Lows on either side of 40 with a NW wind 10-20mph & Gusty.

Thursday, we will see continued clearing resulting in plenty of sunshine at times. Cloud cover will come and go as a weak front approaches the area. Highs 57-64 with a NW wind 10-20mph G30.

Thursday night, expect mostly cloudy skies with a chance for showers and a wintry mix possible. Lows in the 30s with a NW/North wind 5-15mph G25. 20% chance for rain.

Friday, we will see partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies with patchy AM frost and a cool feel through the day. Highs in the 50s with a NW wind 15-25mph G30.

Friday night, fair to partly cloudy skies and breezy with areas of AM frost possible. Lows near freezing with a North wind 5-15mph.