Missoula, Mont. – Residents across western Montana and eastern Idaho should prepare for patchy frost early Tuesday, as temperatures dip near or below freezing overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, a Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. MDT Tuesday for the Flathead, Mission, Missoula, and Bitterroot Valleys in Montana, as well as the Salmon area in eastern Lemhi County, Idaho. Temperatures between 32 and 36 degrees are expected to cause frost formation, especially in low-lying and sheltered areas.
Gardeners and growers are urged to cover or bring in sensitive plants Monday night. Even brief exposure to near-freezing temperatures can damage or kill tender vegetation.
Cities including Missoula, Kalispell, Polson, Hamilton, and Salmon may all experience localized frost. While June frosts aren’t unusual in these regions, early-season planting may be at risk after a warm start to the month.
The advisory expires at 8 a.m. Tuesday, but additional alerts could follow if temperatures continue to trend below average this week.
