Weather
Northeast Montana Wind Alert: Fort Peck Lake at Risk Oct 15
Glasgow, MT – Strong northwest winds are expected to create hazardous boating conditions across portions of northeast Montana Thursday, Oct. 15, with gusts reaching 40 mph and waves potentially climbi
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-15T09:25:59.388Z
Glasgow, MT – Strong northwest winds are expected to create hazardous boating conditions across portions of northeast Montana Thursday, Oct. 15, with gusts reaching 40 mph and waves potentially climbing to 5 feet on area lakes. A Lake Wind Advisory covers Fort Peck Lake and surrounding recreation areas, where rough water could become dangerous for small boats. The wind event will also bring a sharp temperature change to Glasgow, with overnight readings expected to fall into the 20s before a substantial weekend warmup.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect Thursday for portions of Phillips, Valley, Garfield, McCone and Petroleum counties. The advisory bulletin lists an effective period from 3 a.m. until 6 p.m. MDT, while the supplied forecast page banner lists an ending time of 5 p.m. Boaters should verify the latest expiration time before heading onto the water.
Strong Winds Threaten Fort Peck Lake Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected across the advisory area, with gusts reaching 40 mph. The National Weather Service warns that strong winds and rough waves could create hazardous conditions for small craft, particularly on Fort Peck Lake, where wave heights may reach 5 feet.
The affected area includes the Fort Peck Recreation Area and portions of central and southeast Phillips County, central and southern Valley County, Garfield County, McCone County and Petroleum County. The warning is particularly relevant for anglers, recreational boaters and others planning activities on exposed water.
Forecasters caution that strong winds and rough waves can overturn smaller vessels. Boaters should consider postponing trips until conditions improve, especially when operating lightweight fishing boats or other small craft.
Gusty Conditions Bring Colder Temperatures Glasgow's local forecast calls for sunny skies Thursday, with an afternoon high near 48 degrees. Northwest winds of 23 to 28 mph should gradually decrease to 16 to 21 mph later in the afternoon, although gusts could still reach 38 mph.
The winds may also affect travel across exposed highways in northeast Montana. Motorists using U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 24 should prepare for strong crosswinds, particularly when operating high profile vehicles or towing trailers. No specific road closures or traffic restrictions were identified in the supplied forecast.
Thursday night's temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 26 degrees under mostly clear skies. That represents a 22 degree difference from Thursday's projected afternoon high, bringing freezing conditions to the Glasgow area before temperatures recover Friday.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should consider protecting them from the cold. Exposed plumbing and outdoor water equipment may also require attention where temperatures remain below freezing.
Weekend Warmup Brings a Major Temperature Rebound Friday, Oct. 16, brings improving conditions, with sunshine and temperatures reaching approximately 59 degrees. Southeast winds of 9 to 16 mph may gust to 26 mph, but the strongest lake winds associated with Thursday's advisory should have passed.
Saturday, Oct. 17, introduces a substantial warmup, with Glasgow expected to reach approximately 74 degrees under sunny skies. That would represent a 26 degree increase from Thursday's afternoon high over two days, although temperatures will remain cooler during the overnight periods.
The warmer weather will not last through the entire weekend. Sunday's high is expected to fall to approximately 58 degrees, followed by another relatively mild day Monday with temperatures near 63 degrees.
For northeast Montana residents, Thursday's lake conditions remain the most immediate safety concern. Boaters should check updated National Weather Service advisories and local conditions before launching, particularly around Fort Peck Lake.
Will the strong winds change your boating, fishing or travel plans across northeast Montana?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny but windy conditions bring a high near 48 degrees, with northwest wind gusts reaching 38 mph around Glasgow and up to 40 mph in the Lake Wind Advisory area; temperatures fall to approximately 26 degrees overnight.
Friday 10/16: Sunshine returns with a high near 59 degrees, while southeast winds of 9 to 16 mph could gust to 26 mph; mostly clear skies develop Friday night, with temperatures falling to around 36 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies bring a substantial warmup, with temperatures reaching approximately 74 degrees and southwest wind gusts potentially reaching 21 mph; partly cloudy skies develop Saturday night, with temperatures falling to around 41 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies continue across Glasgow, although afternoon temperatures cool to approximately 58 degrees with northwest winds of 5 to 9 mph; mostly clear skies follow Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to around 36 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies and mild conditions return, with temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees and east winds of 8 to 10 mph; partly cloudy conditions develop Monday night, with temperatures falling to around 39 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday, Oct. 20, should bring partly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 60 degrees. Mostly cloudy conditions develop Tuesday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 38 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, is expected to remain mostly sunny, with a high near 55 degrees.