Glasgow, Montana — Dangerous arctic air is expected to drive wind chills near minus 40 degrees, prompting an Extreme Cold Watch across northeast Montana.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, an arctic cold front is forecast to move into the region beginning Thursday and persist through Saturday morning. The coldest conditions are expected Thursday night into Friday morning, when overnight low temperatures could fall between minus 5 and minus 30 degrees, especially closer to the Canadian border.
Forecasters warn that even light winds during this period could produce life-threatening wind chills as low as minus 40. These conditions significantly increase the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The watch area includes Glasgow and surrounding communities in Valley County, along with much of northeast Montana. While the alert is not roadway-specific, officials caution that extreme cold can quickly impact travel, particularly on rural highways and exposed stretches of U.S. Route 2, where vehicle issues and reduced response times become more dangerous in severe cold.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, cover all exposed skin, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. The National Weather Service also recommends checking on elderly neighbors, securing pets and livestock, and keeping emergency supplies available in case of power disruptions.
This prolonged cold snap is expected to continue through the weekend, with temperatures gradually moderating by Monday as warmer air returns to the region.
For commuters, students, and early-shift workers, the most hazardous conditions are expected during overnight and early morning hours late Thursday into Friday.
