Billings, Montana – A strong cold front moving into Montana Sunday night will bring rain, gusty winds, and accumulating snow in the mountains, creating hazardous travel in high-elevation areas through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, showers and a few thunderstorms will spread from west to east overnight, followed by northwest winds gusting 20–35 mph. Snow levels are expected to drop near 9,000 feet, with the Absaroka-Beartooth and Bighorn Mountains seeing light to moderate accumulations through early Monday.
The highest totals are forecast near Cloud Peak in the Bighorns with up to 6 inches possible, while 2–3 inches could fall near Granite Peak, Vista Point, and Beartooth Lake. Travel impacts are most likely along the Beartooth Highway and in recreational zones above 9,000 feet. Drivers and hikers are urged to plan ahead for winter-like conditions, especially near Lost Lake and Mystic Lake.
In lower elevations, rain totals of 0.25–0.50 inches are expected from Livingston to Red Lodge, with lesser amounts east of Billings. Temperatures will fall sharply, with highs Monday struggling to reach the 60s.
Wind advisories or additional winter weather updates may be issued if conditions worsen overnight.
