Weather
Montana Weather Oct. 13–18: 2 Feet of Snow, Then Warmer Temps
Billings, MT – Parts of central and western Montana are emerging from a significant early season snowstorm that dropped between one and two feet of snow across numerous locations, with a notable warmu
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-13T14:15:33.086Z
Billings, MT – Parts of central and western Montana are emerging from a significant early season snowstorm that dropped between one and two feet of snow across numerous locations, with a notable warmup expected across the northern Rockies and High Plains this week.
According to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, heavy snowfall affected portions of Montana over the weekend, with widespread reports of 12 to 24 inches in some of the hardest hit areas.
An observed snowfall analysis covering Thursday, October 8, through Tuesday morning, October 13, shows substantial accumulations across mountainous areas and portions of central and southwestern Montana.
The heaviest snowfall zones appear across areas surrounding Bozeman and the mountains between Missoula, Great Falls and Billings.
The NOAA analysis also shows snowfall extending into portions of Idaho, Wyoming and northern Utah, although accumulations varied considerably by elevation and location.
Some mountain areas received significantly more snow than nearby valleys, highlighting the sharp differences in conditions across the region.
Despite the substantial snowfall, a change in the weather pattern is expected to bring much warmer temperatures to the northern Rockies and High Plains during the remainder of the week.
The warmer conditions could accelerate snowmelt in lower elevations and areas that experienced heavy accumulation.
Residents traveling through mountain passes and higher elevation highways should remain aware that snow covered or icy conditions may persist in some locations even as temperatures rise.
Melting snow could also leave roads wet during warmer afternoon periods, with localized refreezing possible where overnight temperatures fall below freezing.
NOAA's latest update emphasizes the transition from widespread early season snowfall to a warmer weather pattern rather than another immediate major snowstorm.
The observed snowfall map covers conditions through 6 a.m. MDT Tuesday, October 13.
Residents can review local snowfall totals and updated forecasts through the National Weather Service.