If you've spent even one winter in the Red River Valley, you know the deal. One minute you're walking to your car in a light jacket because it's 37°F and the sun is peeking through the clouds, and the next, you’re bracing against a 50 mph gust that makes your face feel like it’s being exfoliated by frozen needles. Honestly, the ten day forecast Fargo ND residents are looking at right now is a perfect example of that North Dakota mood swings.
We are currently sitting in a weird transition period. Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, started out almost pleasant for mid-January. We hit a high of 37°F. For Fargo, that’s basically tropical. But don't get too comfortable. That northwest wind is already starting to bite at 14 mph, and the humidity is hanging heavy at 84%.
The Hammer Drops: What to Expect Through the Weekend
Kinda makes you want to hibernate, doesn't it? The real shift starts tonight. We're looking at a 70% chance of snow, mostly after 2 a.m. It’s not just the flakes, though; it’s the wind. We are talking northwest winds between 21 and 30 mph with gusts screaming up to 43 mph.
If you have to commute Friday morning, Jan 16, give yourself an extra twenty minutes. Maybe thirty. The National Weather Service already has a Winter Weather Advisory in place starting at midnight.
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Friday’s Reality Check
Tomorrow is going to be a shock to the system. While the high says 15°F, the temperature is actually going to be crashing all day. By 4 p.m., we’ll be lucky to see 8°F.
- Wind Chill: Brace for -15°F to -23°F.
- Visibility: Widespread blowing snow will be a mess between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Snowfall: We aren't getting buried—less than half an inch is expected—but that wind will whip whatever's on the ground into a whiteout haze.
Saturday, Jan 17, is when the "frigid" part of the forecast really settles in. We’re looking at a high of exactly 0°F. Yes, zero. The low will dip to -8°F. It’s that classic, blustery Fargo Saturday where the sky is mostly cloudy and the air feels still even when it’s moving.
Next Week: A Rollercoaster of Single Digits
Looking further into the ten day forecast Fargo ND has in store, Sunday brings a bit of a bounce-back. We might hit 17°F, but it comes with a 40% chance of snow before noon. It’s a messy, blustery kind of day.
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Then comes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Monday, Jan 19, is going to be crisp.
The high is only 3°F.
The sun will be out, but it’s that "deceptive" sun—the kind that looks bright through the window but offers zero warmth once you step onto the porch. Nighttime temperatures will drop to -8°F.
Midweek Outlook: Jan 20 - Jan 24
Basically, we are stuck in a cold rut. Tuesday and Wednesday stay in the teens, with highs of 13°F and 16°F respectively. It’s better than zero, sure, but the wind is always the wild card here.
By the time we get to Saturday, Jan 24, the forecast suggests a high of 11°F and a low of -10°F. The humidity drops significantly here—down to 23%—which usually means the air will feel bone-dry and the sky will be mostly sunny.
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Why Fargo Weather is Hard to Predict
According to historical data from the National Weather Service and local climate records, January 15 is statistically one of the coldest days of the year for our region. Usually, we see average highs around 18°F and lows near 2°F. This year, we're actually swinging a bit above and then way below those normals.
The Red River Valley is basically a giant wind tunnel. Because it's so flat, there’s nothing to stop those Canadian cold fronts from sliding right down Highway 75 and making our lives difficult.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Honestly, most of us know how to handle this, but a refresher never hurts when the wind chills start hitting the -20s.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low air" light came on this morning, don't ignore it.
- The "Half-Tank" Rule. Never let your gas tank get below half. If you get stuck in a drift or a ditch, that fuel is your only source of heat while you wait for a tow.
- Layers, obviously. But specifically, a windproof outer shell. A thick wool sweater is great until a 40 mph gust cuts right through the weave.
- Cover the skin. At -20°F wind chill, frostbite can start in under 30 minutes.
Keep an eye on the radar, especially for that Friday morning commute. The snow amount is small, but in Fargo, the wind is what actually dictates whether you’re staying home or heading to work.
Next Steps for You: Check your vehicle's emergency kit today—ensure you have extra gloves, a blanket, and a portable phone charger before the Friday morning snow showers and blowing wind arrive.