Montana – Thick fog hangs over the high plains this morning, cloaking roads in freezing mist and 13°F air that bites the skin. Glasgow and northeastern Montana are waking to dangerous cold and patchy freezing fog, a quiet but treacherous start as Thanksgiving travel builds across the region. Visibility in spots has dropped to less than a quarter-mile, creating slick surfaces on Highway 2 and rural routes through the Milk River Valley.
The National Weather Service in Glasgow warns that freezing fog could linger into late morning before slowly clearing. Highs near 25°F offer little relief, and wind chills will remain near zero. Thanksgiving Day itself looks calm — mostly cloudy and dry, ideal for family gatherings — but the next winter system looms close behind.
By Thursday night, clouds thicken, and light snow develops by early Friday, mixing with freezing fog once again. Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are likely across portions of Valley, Phillips, and Roosevelt counties, while higher totals may develop along the Missouri Plateau. Gusts up to 20 mph could reduce visibility further, particularly along Interstate 90 and U.S. 2.
Temperatures plunge below zero by Friday night, with wind chills dipping to -10°F in exposed areas. Saturday will bring brief clearing, but highs stay near 12°F — the coldest stretch yet this season.
Looking into early December, long-range models hint at a stronger Arctic front sweeping across the northern plains, possibly bringing heavier snow and blizzard conditions between December 1–5.
For now, travelers should move cautiously and prepare for icy roads, bitter air, and the first true taste of Montana winter.
