North Dakota Braces for a Blustery Finish as Wind Takes Over Thursday and Friday

If you’ve been feeling a little too comfortable with calm winter days lately, Mother Nature is ready to shake things up, literally. A windy end to the work week is expected Thursday and Friday that could affect travel in North Dakota, reminding us all that winter isn’t done showing off just yet.

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Blowing Snow and Big Gusts: North Dakota Braces for a Windy Thursday and Friday

Forecasters say windy conditions and lightly accumulating snow are possible starting Thursday afternoon and lingering through Friday. Translation? It might look harmless out your window, but once you step outside, you’ll quickly realize the wind means business. Strong northwest winds could blow at speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour, with gusts ramping things up to an attention-grabbing 60 to 65 miles per hour, especially across western and central North Dakota. That’s the kind of wind that makes you question your life choices...like why you didn’t grab the hat with the chin strap.

While snowfall amounts aren’t expected to be impressive, even a little fresh snow can become a traveling magician when paired with strong winds. Blowing snow may reduce visibility at times, especially when and where new snow is falling. In other words, it’s not necessarily the snow falling from the sky that causes the trouble. It’s the snow that’s already on the ground deciding to relocate across the highway.

Read More: The Surprising Reason Your Car Windows Might Shatter in a North Dakota Garage

Drivers may want to give a little extra time and a lot of extra patience. This could be one of those classic North Dakota weather moments where conditions change quickly from looks fine to where did the road go? Keeping headlights on, slowing down, and gripping the steering wheel just a bit tighter might be part of the routine.

The good news? This kind of weather also gives us something to talk about. It’s a reminder that winter in North Dakota is less about snow totals and more about attitude and wind. So button up, secure your garbage cans, and brace yourself for a blustery couple of days. Spring will get here eventually…but not before the wind has one more say.