This article explores the current blast of Arctic air gripping Montana, detailing the latest advisories, expected snowfall, and wind threats. It also places this event in a broader mid-December climate context.
With decades of experience observing Northern Rockies weather patterns, I’ll outline what these conditions mean for safety and travel. The short-term outlook is also discussed as temperatures rebound later this week.
Dangerous Cold Grips Eastern Montana
Much of Montana is currently under the influence of an intense Arctic air mass. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect along the eastern Hi-Line through tomorrow morning.
This region—stretching across far northern and eastern Montana—is no stranger to winter. However, the present combination of air temperature and wind is especially hazardous.
Windchill values are forecast to drop to around -30°F, cold enough to cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin. Even short trips outdoors demand preparation: multiple clothing layers, windproof outerwear, and careful attention to limiting skin exposure.
Windchill and Frostbite Risk
Windchill is not a direct temperature measurement but a calculation of how cold it “feels” when wind accelerates heat loss from the body. At windchills near -30°F:
Statewide Temperature Snapshot
Despite the extreme cold in the east, temperatures vary significantly across Montana. The current pattern reflects the complex interplay of terrain, cold air drainage, and the position of the Arctic front.
Today’s observed temperatures show a broad gradient across the state:
Nighttime Lows: Coldest Air Pools in the East
Overnight, temperatures will continue to drop as radiational cooling and entrenched Arctic air reinforce the chill. Lows are expected to fall into the single digits across much of Montana, with the coldest readings concentrated in the northeast:
These values, combined with persistent winds in some regions, will maintain dangerous windchill levels through early tomorrow.
Winter Storm Advisories and Snowfall Forecast
In addition to the cold, parts of Montana are under Winter Storm Advisories through Tuesday. This pattern reflects a classic early-winter setup where cold surface air is overlain by a moist, unsettled atmosphere, producing widespread snow and blowing snow.
The advisories cover:
Snow Totals by Region
Snowfall forecasts indicate a moderate but impactful event, especially in higher terrain and exposed passes:
These amounts are sufficient to reduce visibility, create slick roadways, and complicate mountain travel—particularly when combined with strong winds.
Strong Winds and Blowing Snow Threat
Wind will be a key player in this event, with gusts up to 45 mph expected Monday afternoon and evening. These winds will be especially pronounced along the typical high-wind corridor between Cut Bank, Great Falls, and Livingston, where pressure gradients and terrain funnel the flow.
Travel and Infrastructure Impacts
Strong winds interacting with fresh, powdery snow can create rapidly changing travel conditions:
Professional drivers, ranchers, and anyone traveling mountain passes should be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and road surface conditions.
Short-Term Rebound and Mid-December Outlook
By tomorrow, temperatures are expected to climb back into the 30s°F across much of the state, approaching typical mid-December norms.
Looking further into mid-December, the pattern turns warmer and wetter, with daytime highs potentially reaching the 40s°F by week’s end.
What Warmer and Wetter Means for Montana
A milder, moisture-rich pattern in mid-December often brings:
From a broader climate perspective, these oscillations between Arctic outbreaks and milder Pacific-influenced air masses are typical of Montana’s winter transition season.
Staying informed through local forecasts and advisories remains essential as conditions evolve rapidly across the region.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme cold grips Montana with advisories in place