Your forecast for the next week

NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible from this afternoon through Monday, but the threat for severe weather remains low. Smoke from distant wildfires will be present through Monday and possibly longer, with patchy near-surface smoke expected, especially in north central North Dakota.

Highs will mainly be in the 80s through Monday, but temperatures will rise into the 90s to around 100 degrees mid to late week.

This afternoon, we have high pressure over Ontario and a weak low pressure system in west central North Dakota. The northerly flow aloft is bringing in some shortwaves, resulting in isolated thunderstorms in the southern James River Valley and southwest North Dakota. These storms could produce small hail and gusty winds but are not expected to be severe. There’s also a small chance for a weak funnel in the southern James River Valley.

The northerly flow is also bringing a swath of wildfire smoke into the region, with some near-surface smoke primarily in northern North Dakota. We may see reduced visibilities, especially if fog mixes in.

Rain chances return early Monday morning in the north central and east, persisting through the day as a backdoor cold front moves in from the Canadian prairies. There’s a slightly higher chance for stronger storms, especially in the north central part of the state, with highs again in the 80s.

The main concern this week is the return of hot temperatures as the upper ridge moves east. Temperatures will peak mid to late week, with western North Dakota seeing highs in the upper 90s to around 100 on Thursday, and the James River Valley reaching the lower 90s on Friday.

As the upper trough moves east and flattens the ridge, we’ll see more precipitation chances towards the end of the week. There’s a low but widespread potential for severe weather starting Friday and continuing through the weekend. Temperatures will cool down by late weekend into next week, with highs generally back in the 80s.

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