textproduct: Grand Forks
This forecast discussion was created in the public domain by the National Weather Service. It can be found in its original form here.
KEY MESSAGES
- Near critical fire weather conditions are expected across the region Thursday. There is a chance for critical fire weather conditions late morning to early afternoon Thursday, mainly along the Red River Valley.
- Next chance for widespread rain comes Friday and Saturday, with overall light amounts under half an inch and very low chance for thunder.
UPDATE
Issued at 636 AM CDT Thu May 21 2026
Breezy south to southeast winds are expected across much of the area today. Look for temperatures to start in the upper 30s across parts of northwest Minnesota, and in the upper 40s to the west of the Red River Valley. High temperatures will climb into the 60s to near 70 degrees, with increasing clouds this afternoon and evening.
..Fire weather conditions
Gusty south to southeast winds between lee surface troughing in the western Dakotas and a departing surface high pressure will keep winds elevated today, tonight, and Thursday. The pressure gradient and mixing winds aloft are not overly strong, generally around 15-30 mph. Gusts will be more intermittent tonight compared to this afternoon and Thursday. Gusts are expected to ramp up quickly in the morning as daytime mixes into the residual overnight low level jet.
Thursday's RH values are forecast to be in the 30s percent, with upper 20s near central MN. There is a 20% chance RH values in the upper 20s are more widespread through the rest of MN into Red River Valley.
Overlap of highest winds and lowest RH values currently looks to be within the Red River Valley, with around a 20% chance to see critical fire weather conditions here late morning through early afternoon.
AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/
Issued at 636 AM CDT Thu May 21 2026
VFR ceilings and visibility prevail through the TAF period at all sites. The main aviation impact will be this morning as low level winds present a LLWS risk at all sites except KBJI. This risk will diminish as mixing brings winds into the boundary layer. Look for south to southeast prevailing winds through the period, generally in the range of 15-20 knots with gusts up to 25 knots. Winds diminish slightly overnight, but are expected to increase once more heading into Friday morning.
FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
ND...None. MN...None.
IMPORTANT This is an independent project and has no affiliation with the National Weather Service or any other agency. Do not rely on this website for emergency or critical information: please visit weather.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
textproduct.us is built and maintained by Joshua Thayer.