Billings, MT – Montana is preparing for a harsh stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing below-normal temperatures across northern and eastern Montana and near-normal temps elsewhere, all paired with above-normal precipitation. This setup favors widespread snow, dangerous wind chills, and challenging Christmas travel across the state.
According to NOAA, northern and eastern Montana—including Havre, Glasgow, Wolf Point, Sidney, and the Hi-Line—sit firmly in the coldest anomaly zone. With temperatures expected to stay below freezing through much of the period, all precipitation should fall as snow, with multiple rounds of accumulating snowfall possible from December 19–23. Wind chills may dip into the -10 to -25 range at times.
Central and southern Montana—including Billings, Lewistown, Miles City, and Roundup—will see a mix of system snow and occasional bursts of heavier snow as disturbances move along the jet stream. Temperatures remain cold enough for snow to dominate, though brief, localized pockets of freezing drizzle may develop in sheltered valleys from December 19–21.
Western Montana—including Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, Bozeman, Butte, and the Bitterroot Valley—faces a more elevation-driven pattern. Mountain regions will see consistent, sometimes heavy snowfall, while lower valleys may experience periods where temperatures hover near freezing. This opens the door for a rain–snow mix or light freezing rain, particularly during early morning commutes before colder air returns late in the week.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly statewide, especially along I-90, I-15, U.S. 2, U.S. 93, and the Bozeman and Homestake Passes.
Hazards include snow-covered roads, blowing snow, black ice, and reduced visibility, especially from December 21 through Christmas Eve.
