After a weekend that could have had even the bravest North Dakotans huddling by the heater, there’s a small break in the ice — literally! The National Weather Service in Bismarck predicts a warmer spell is on its way, giving us a chance to swap our thermal socks for something a little less... insulated.

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From Puffy Jackets to Windy Warmth: A Midweek Weather Shift

The week kicks off with a chill that sticks around through Tuesday, perfect for those who haven’t had enough of their puffy jackets. But don’t despair! By Wednesday, the temperature will climb, with winds sweeping in to remind us that Mother Nature enjoys keeping us on our toes. Thursday promises more of the same – warmth, wind, and a break from the deep freeze that made venturing outdoors feel like an arctic expedition.

A Brief January Thaw Before Winter’s Icy Grip Returns

And here's the kicker: this balmy reprieve might just stretch into mid-January! For those who’ve been crossing off the days until a thaw, it’s time to celebrate. Just don’t get too comfortable. The longer-range forecast suggests that the second half of January will see a return to below-normal temperatures. That means we’ll likely be digging out the heavy-duty scarves once again.

So, while the warmth lasts, enjoy the relative comfort. Take a stroll, soak up what us locals would call “pleasant” winter weather, and remember: in North Dakota, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Just keep those mittens and shovels close — you’ll need them again before you know it!

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF