Billings, Montana — A sharp cooldown will bring rain changing to wet snow across south-central Montana Monday evening, creating slick travel and reduced visibility from Billings to Red Lodge, Livingston and Big Timber.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, showers will begin after 4 p.m. Monday, with the most significant impacts between 7 p.m. and midnight as colder air pushes into the region.
This is part of a broader system driven by a Canadian cold front that will drop temperatures quickly and increase precipitation across the area.
Rain may initially wet roads, then transition to slushy conditions in foothill communities, especially near Red Lodge and along higher elevations west of Billings. Up to 1 inch of wet snow is possible in foothills and higher terrain, which can create slick spots on bridges and elevated roadways, including stretches of I-90 where visibility may fall during heavier bursts.
Lower elevations including Billings and Miles City will mainly see rain, but temperatures dropping into the 30s could allow patchy slush on untreated surfaces late Monday night, particularly in low-lying areas and shaded roadways.
Residents should slow down during evening travel and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. Those in foothill areas should be ready for brief snow accumulation and reduced visibility.
The most hazardous travel window will occur between 7 p.m. and midnight Monday as rain transitions to snow and temperatures fall.
