Montana residents are experiencing a deceptive calm before a significant weather upheaval. Today’s mild temperatures and partial sunshine are set to give way to a severe cold front, bringing snow and dangerously low temperatures. Here’s what to expect:
Current Conditions:
- Billings: Mostly cloudy, 39°F (4°C)
- Missoula: Mostly cloudy, 34°F (1°C)
- Great Falls: Mostly cloudy, 40°F (4°C)
- Bozeman: Partly cloudy, 39°F (4°C)
Today’s Forecast (Saturday, February 1, 2025):
- Billings: Mild with partial sunshine; a brief shower or two this afternoon. High: 53°F (12°C), Low: 22°F (-5°C)
- Missoula: Considerable cloudiness and breezy; a bit of snow this morning with little or no accumulation followed by a snow shower in spots this afternoon. High: 37°F (3°C), Low: 19°F (-7°C)
- Great Falls: Windy with sunshine and a few clouds; an afternoon flurry. High: 44°F (6°C), Low: 4°F (-16°C)
- Bozeman: Variable cloudiness with snow at times with little or no accumulation; windy. High: 40°F (4°C), Low: 22°F (-6°C)
Sunday’s Outlook (February 2, 2025):
A drastic temperature drop is expected across the state.
- Billings: Considerable cloudiness with snow, accumulating an additional 1-3 cm. High: 26°F (-4°C), Low: -4°F (-20°C)
- Missoula: A thick cloud covered with a bit of snow, accumulating up to an additional cm. High: 31°F (0°C), Low: 15°F (-10°C)
- Great Falls: A thick cloud cover and much colder with a bit of snow with little or no accumulation. High: 8°F (-14°C), Low: -12°F (-24°C)
- Bozeman: Periods of snow, accumulating an additional 3-6 cm. High: 31°F (0°C), Low: 1°F (-17°C)
Severe Weather Alerts:
- Billings: A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through late Monday night, with heavy snow possible and total accumulations between 5 and 9 inches. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
- Missoula: A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 5 PM MST Saturday, with mixed precipitation and additional ice accumulations around a glaze. Snow squalls are possible by Saturday afternoon.
- Great Falls: A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 8 PM MST this evening, with southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, and gusts up to 60 mph. A Winter Storm Watch is also in effect from late tonight through late Monday night, with heavy snow possible and total accumulations between 4 and 12 inches.
- Bozeman: A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late tonight through late Monday night, with heavy snow possible and total accumulations between 4 and 12 inches.
Safety Advisory:
With the impending snow and severe temperature drops, roads are expected to become hazardous. Residents are urged to:
- Limit Travel: Only venture out if necessary, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Protect Against the Cold: Dress in layers and minimize skin exposure to prevent frostbite.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates for the latest information.
Stay safe and prepared, Montana!
