Likelihood of record-breaking or possibly record-breaking high temperatures in the Red River Valley on Thursday – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS – High temperatures on Thursday could be around 88 degrees in Fargo and 85 degrees in Grand Forks, according to forecasts from WDAY.

If Fargo actually hits 88, it will break the Oct. 10 record of 86 set in 2003. WDAY statistics show Grand Forks' record high on Oct. 10 is also 86, set in 2015.

After that atypical heat wave in mid-October, WDAY chief meteorologist John Wheeler predicts temperatures will likely return to more typical levels — and that means there could be frost next week.

“Nearly 90 on Thursday. I mean, wow,” Wheeler said during his show on Tuesday at 10 p.m.

On Wednesday, highs in Grand Forks and Fargo were 76 and 78, respectively, setting the stage for a potentially hot fall on Thursday.

“It remained a cool day (on Tuesday). We're getting into the mid-70s in the (Red River) Valley and mid-80s in the west, and the warm weather is moving east,” Wheeler said during Tuesday's broadcast on WDAY. “Southeast winds have a lot to offer and keep us warm. The air mass actually shifts from west to east – that’s how it normally works.”

He correctly predicted a high near 80 on Wednesday, “and then it will get even warmer on Thursday, just before the cold front.”…Thursday afternoon I think there could be some temperature spikes – and if we time it right If you get one of these, there’s a chance it could get up to 90 degrees.”

Then the script flips and there is a risk of frost early next week.

“The chances are good, I would say. I have it in the forecast. It's not 100% confident, of course, but there is some confidence behind it. It’s a little later than average,” Wheeler said. “Not crazy late, but a little later than average.”

The WDAY forecast shows Fargo will reach highs around 66 on Friday and 64 on Saturday in the coming days. Then come seasonally cool temperatures: Monday and Tuesday morning temperatures are expected to be in the low 30s or upper 20s.

Grand Forks will likely see a high of 63 on Friday, followed by 62 on Saturday. Monday and Tuesday morning lows could fall to 31 and 25, respectively.