Glasgow, Montana – A warmer and significantly drier-than-normal January was recorded in Glasgow, raising long-term climate concerns across northeastern Montana.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Glasgow, the city logged an average January temperature of 18.3 degrees, which is 3.7 degrees above normal for the month. The warmer conditions coincided with a sharp lack of moisture, with total precipitation measuring just 0.05 inches.
That precipitation total ties 1944 and 1985 as the fourth-driest January on record for Glasgow and represents only 11.3% of the normal 0.44 inches typically expected. Weather officials noted it was the driest January since 1973, marking a notable climatological milestone for the region.
Snowfall totals were also unusually low. Glasgow recorded just 0.8 inches of snow during January, compared to a normal average of 9.8 inches. This ranks as the ninth-lowest January snowfall on record, amounting to only 8.2% of normal snowfall levels.
While no immediate travel hazards were reported along major routes such as U.S. Highway 2 or Montana Highway 24, the lack of snowpack and moisture may have downstream impacts on soil conditions, early-season agriculture, and water availability later in the year.
For commuters, students, and workers who rely on consistent winter conditions, the unusually dry and mild January stood out compared to historical norms.
The National Weather Service emphasized that monthly climate summaries help track long-term trends and variability but do not necessarily predict conditions for the remainder of the winter season.
Additional climate updates and outlooks for northeastern Montana are expected as February progresses.
