Weather
Billings, MT Weather Oct. 10-12: Temperatures Plunge, Mountain Snow and Freeze Risk Ahead
BILLINGS, MT – South central Montana faces a sharp transition from warm, windy weather to much colder conditions this weekend, with mountain snow, widespread precipitation and freezing temperatures po
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-09T12:39:06.219Z
BILLINGS, MT – South central Montana faces a sharp transition from warm, windy weather to much colder conditions this weekend, with mountain snow, widespread precipitation and freezing temperatures possible as a fall storm moves through Saturday night into Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a cold front arriving Saturday will bring the coldest air mass of the season so far, with temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s across portions of the region Sunday.
In Billings, Saturday's high is forecast at 67 degrees before falling to 42 Sunday. Monday's high is expected to reach just 46 degrees, with overnight lows near 34 degrees Sunday and Monday nights.
Nearby Livingston could see highs fall from 65 degrees Saturday to 38 Sunday, while Red Lodge is forecast to drop from 62 to 37 degrees.
The approaching storm will bring rain and snow to the region late Saturday through Monday. Snow is forecast in the mountains and immediate foothills, while rain and wet snow are possible across the plains.
Forecasters caution that snowfall accumulations remain uncertain, particularly below 5,000 feet, because temperatures could be warmer than previously anticipated.
Precipitation probabilities are substantial. The Weather Service estimates an 84% chance of receiving at least three quarters of an inch of precipitation in Billings from Saturday night through Monday. Livingston has a 94% chance, Red Lodge 92% and Melville 95%.
These probabilities refer to liquid precipitation, including melted snowfall, rather than expected snow accumulation.
Freezing temperatures are another concern. Overnight lows could fall to 27 degrees around Harlowton and 29 degrees near Livingston, with the greatest freeze risk across plains and foothills west and south of Billings.
The Weather Service also highlights elevated to critical fire weather conditions Friday before the colder, wetter pattern develops.
Residents should prepare for a substantial temperature drop this weekend, monitor potential winter travel conditions in the mountains and watch for updated snowfall forecasts as the storm approaches.