Halloween night is expected to bring more goosebumps than ghosts across the metro as the Grand Cities area braces for brisk temperatures, gusty winds and a chance of light snow flurries — just in time for costumes and candy runs.
According to the National Weather Service Grand Forks office, skies will be mostly cloudy with winds out of the north at 10-20 mph, tapering slightly in the evening.
Forecasts for the region show that on Oct. 31, highs will sit near 40 °F (~4–5 °C) with lows dipping toward the freezing mark.
Historic October data for the area confirm a steady fall in temperature through the month and an increasing chance of mixed precipitation.
For families planning to head out trick-or-treating in places like Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and surrounding towns, chilly and possibly slippery sidewalks are the weather story of the night.
“We’re looking at a typical late-October pattern for this region: cool temps, a north wind and just enough moisture in the air to bring a sprinkle or a few snowflakes,” said Meteorologist Jane Harrison of the National Weather Service Grand Forks office.
One parent, Mark Anderson of East Grand Forks, noted, “We do Halloween every year with the kids, but this year we’ll pack an extra layer and some warm gloves — last time we came back frozen last minute. The forecast tonight makes that extra caution worth it.”
Local storeowner Karen Miller, who runs a candy and costume shop in downtown Grand Forks, added: “We’ve told our staff to keep an eye on sidewalks and parking lots — wet surfaces plus cold and wind mean extra care for trick-or-treat traffic.”
As the sun sets and costumed ghosts and goblins hit the sidewalks, the Grand Cities metro area may need to trade goblins for goosebumps. With temperatures hovering near freezing, winds picking up and a stray flurry not out of the question, bundling up is no longer optional — it’s smart. Whether you’re handing out candy or heading out for treats, plan for chill conditions and keep the night spooky for the right reasons.
