textproduct: Bismarck

KEY MESSAGES

- Mostly dry with only a few hit and miss showers possible through the weekend.

- Near to above normal temperatures through the weekend, then cooler early to mid-week next week.

- Dry conditions combined with breezy to windy conditions could lead to near critical fire weather conditions this weekend into early next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 249 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

The upper level pattern remains locked in northwesterly flow as an upper level ridge builds to the west and an upper level low remains stalled over the Hudson Bay. An upper level ridge will continue pivot northeastward into the Canadian Plains increasing upper level heights across the Northern Plains. This in turn will lead to warmer temperature this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon. Highs this afternoon are forecast to warm into the 50s to 60s. Overnight low will remain above freezing tonight in the mid 30s to 40s. Tomorrow temperatures are forecast to warm into the 60s to lower 70s. A cold front is forecast to move through the region tomorrow afternoon leading to windy conditions across the state. Windy and dry conditions are forecast to persist through the weekend leading to near critical fire weather conditions. There is a chance for rain Saturday evening across the eastern half of the state along the frontal passage.

Sunday, windy conditions will continue as another surface low passes to the north of the region leading windy conditions due to a strong pressure gradient. Sunday temperatures are forecast to remain in the 60s to lower 70s as the upper level ridge remains in the area. Monday another cold front is forecast to move through the region bringing in low chances for rain and windy conditions. Temperatures are forecast to drop below normal into the 50s as a cooler airmass advects into the region. The northwesterly flow pattern will continue through next week with the below normal temperatures in the 50s continuing through the middle of the week. Temperatures are forecast to trend warmer through the end of next week as another ridge could build out west. The cool and dry pattern looks to remain locked in through the extended.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1211 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

VFR conditions will continue across the region for the next 24 hours. Winds continue to remain light and variable veering out of the south by this evening. Winds will veer out of northwest by late tomorrow morning as a cold front moves through the region.

BIS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.