What should you know about North Dakota weather?
North Dakota sits at the northern edge of the Great Plains, where Arctic air masses collide with Gulf moisture to produce some of the most extreme weather in the United States. The state's flat terrain offers nothing to slow incoming storms, making North Dakota weather radar essential for residents from the Red River Valley to the Badlands. Average annual precipitation is 17.5 inches statewide according to NOAA, ranging from 14 inches in the northwest to 22 inches in the southeast.
Blizzards are North Dakota's deadliest weather threat. The March 1966 blizzard dropped up to 38 inches of snow with winds gusting to 100 mph, killing at least nine people and wiping out tens of thousands of livestock. Tornadoes also strike regularly — the F5 Fargo tornado on June 20, 1957, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 300 homes. The NWS offices in Bismarck (WFO BIS) and Grand Forks (WFO FGF) provide doppler radar coverage statewide. North Dakota weather radar helps residents spot approaching blizzards, severe thunderstorms, and tornado-warned cells in time to act.
Flooding is the third major threat. The 1997 Red River flood inundated roughly 85% of Grand Forks. In 2011, the Souris River submerged about 25% of Minot after record snowmelt. Spring flooding remains a near-annual concern statewide. Temperature extremes range from 121°F in Steele (July 1936) to -60°F in Parshall (February 1936) — a 181-degree swing that reflects why North Dakota weather radar and forecasts remain critical in every season.
Which weather risks show up most across North Dakota?
Counted from the NOAA Storm Events Database for each city's county, 1996 to 2025.
What is the climate like across North Dakota?
| Climate type | Cities | For example |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-summer humid continental | 2 cities | Bismarck, Fargo |
What else do people ask about North Dakota radar?
When does blizzard season start in North Dakota?
Blizzard season in North Dakota runs roughly from October through April, with the most dangerous storms occurring in November, March, and April when rapid temperature swings combine with moisture. The March 1966 blizzard remains the most destructive on record, dropping up to 38 inches of snow with winds gusting to 100 mph across the state.
How much precipitation does North Dakota get per year?
North Dakota averages 17.5 inches of annual precipitation statewide, ranging from about 14 inches in the northwest to 22 inches in the southeast corner. The wettest year on record was 2019 at 24.4 inches statewide, while 1936 holds the driest record at just 8.8 inches. Most summer precipitation arrives as intense thunderstorms.
Does North Dakota get tornadoes?
Yes, North Dakota gets tornadoes, primarily from May through August. The deadliest was the F5 Fargo tornado on June 20, 1957, which killed 12 people and destroyed more than 300 homes. The state averages around 20 tornadoes per year, mostly EF0 and EF1 events, though violent tornadoes have occurred historically and remain a real risk during severe storm season.
What was the worst flood in North Dakota history?
The 1997 Red River flood was the most catastrophic, inundating approximately 85% of Grand Forks and forcing nearly the entire city to evacuate. A fire breaking out during the flood worsened the damage significantly. The 2011 Souris River flooding in Minot submerged about 25% of the city after record snowmelt, displacing thousands of residents for months.
What are North Dakota's record temperature extremes?
North Dakota holds some of the most extreme temperature records in the country. The all-time record high is 121°F, set in Steele on July 6, 1936. The record low is -60°F, recorded in Parshall on February 15, 1936 — both in the same year. This 181-degree range reflects the state's continental climate and dramatic seasonal swings.
How is this different from WDAY or KFYR weather radar?
WDAY in Fargo and KFYR in Bismarck offer radar alongside their broadcast forecasts and meteorologist commentary — valuable during active severe weather. This page provides a clean interface with interactive NEXRAD radar maps and Open-Meteo hourly and 7-day forecasts for all of North Dakota. Radar imagery updates every 5 minutes. Bookmark it for fast radar access without video autoplay.
Which radar covers my North Dakota city?
Find your city in the list above. It sits under the NEXRAD station closest to it, with the distance in miles.
Is this an official warning service?
No. For watches and warnings, follow the National Weather Service at weather.gov and your local alerts.