North Dakota’s First Widespread Snow This Week Looks Imminent

According to several weather agencies, North Dakota's first snowfall of the season looks likely this week.

The Weather Channel, NOAA's National Weather Service, and others are predicting North Dakota will indeed see its first widespread snowfall of the season.

Last week, different long-range weather models predicted this storm to be more of a southeast North Dakota snow event.  It now appears that western and central North Dakota will see the brunt of this system.

In fact, a special weather statement was issued this morning by the National Weather Service in Bismarck.

Accumulating snow looks likely Wednesday evening into Thursday.  Light to moderate snow is expected to spread across western North Dakota into north central North Dakota on Wednesday.

Then a heavier band of snow will impact most of western and central North Dakota Thursday and Thursday night.  They are saying there is a 50 to 70% chance that parts of west-central, northwest, and north-central North Dakota could see at least 6 inches of snow over the two-day period.  This includes Bismarck, Mandan, and Lincoln.

I would expect Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories to be issued in the next 24 to 48 hours for parts of North Dakota.

Now is the time to start preparing for this winter event.  Have a winter survival kit put together for your vehicle.  If you have travel plans later this week, make sure you closely monitor weather forecasts.

Below-normal temperatures are expected to follow this system and even another chance for snow on Saturday.

Winter appears to be coming this week.  I just hope it doesn't stay for good.