Glasgow, Montana – Powerful winds are expected to sweep across northeast Montana on Thursday, creating hazardous travel conditions and increasing the risk of property damage across the Glasgow area as a cold front pushes through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, a cold front will move through late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, triggering strong northwest winds that intensify quickly after sunrise. Wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph are expected by late morning, peaking Thursday afternoon before slowly easing Thursday evening. Temperatures will fall behind the front, adding to the raw conditions.
The strongest winds are expected across Valley County and surrounding areas, including U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 24, where high-profile vehicles may struggle to maintain control. Blowing dust and reduced visibility are possible in open and agricultural areas, particularly during the afternoon hours. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, including trash bins and farm equipment, before winds ramp up.
While widespread power outages are not guaranteed, isolated outages could occur if strong gusts down tree limbs or impact power lines. Emergency managers recommend charging phones and limiting non-essential travel during peak wind hours, especially for semis, campers, and vehicles towing trailers.
Daytime temperatures Thursday will cool compared to earlier in the week, with readings dropping steadily through the afternoon as colder air settles in behind the front. Wind chills will make it feel significantly colder than actual air temperatures, especially during the evening commute.
Winds are expected to gradually weaken overnight, but breezy and cooler conditions will linger into Friday. Additional wind advisories may be issued as confidence increases, and residents should continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve through Thursday.
