Billings, MT — Winter’s chill has tightened its grip on Montana this weekend as the coldest temperatures of the season settle in behind Friday’s winter weather system. The National Weather Service in Billings is urging residents to layer up, limit outdoor exposure, and prepare for potentially hazardous cold through Monday morning.
Saturday and Sunday will remain well below normal for late November, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to upper 20s across the region. Locations such as Baker, Broadus, and Ekalaka may struggle to rise out of the lower 20s, while Billings, Hardin, Red Lodge, and Roundup will see highs mainly in the mid-to-upper 20s.
The bigger story, however, is the bitter overnight cold. Lows tonight and again Sunday night are forecast to drop into the single digits to below zero, with many areas expected to bottom out between -2°F and 5°F. The coldest pockets include Baker, Hardin, and portions of the eastern plains.
NWS forecasters warn that the extreme cold may create freeze-up ice jams, particularly on small rivers and streams. While impacts are expected to be minor, residents and travelers should be aware that rapid temperature drops can cause ice to form unexpectedly, potentially affecting bridges and low-lying roads.
Cold air may also affect students waiting for school buses on Monday morning, when temperatures will again dip into the single digits.
The good news: temperatures moderate by Monday afternoon, rising back into the 30s for most of southern Montana. More typical late-fall weather is expected next week.
Residents are advised to dress in multiple layers, keep pets warm, and limit time outdoors during the coldest periods. Anyone traveling early in the morning should allow extra time and be prepared for icy surfaces.
