North Dakota is a state of extremes when it comes to weather. To say
that the winters are cold would be a gross understatement. Wind-chill
factors commonly reach 50° below zero. (It is not wise to wander far
from your car in such weather. Remember, also, never to sit for any
period of time in your parked car with the heater on and the engine
idling. Carbon monoxide poisoning takes many lives each year in the
upper Midwest.) The winters are long in this part of the country, and
just when you think one is over, along comes another March or April
blizzard. As a rule the weather in spring and fall is pleasant, but be
prepared for cold temperatures at all times. Summer is an altogether
different story. Summer temperatures are often in the 80’s and 90’s, and
it doesn’t cool off very much at night. Summer days and nights are often
rather humid. Combined with the high temperatures, the high humidity can
make you feel very uncomfortable.
At times the wind never seems to quit blowing (especially in the
winter), and summer storms can come up fast. Remember, North Dakota is
one of the states occupying the tornado belt. If violent weather hits,
head for shelter immediately. Do not let all of this scare you off; most
Dakotans have been easily surviving such weather for years.