Billings, MT – Residents across Montana and the northern Rockies should prepare for a shift to cooler, wetter conditions by the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings.
Forecasters issued a 6–10 day precipitation outlook Sunday, noting the warmest air is expected to move east, allowing cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain and snow in the region between Friday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5.
According to the NWS, there is a 30–60% chance of at least a quarter-inch of precipitation during this period. The outlook also includes the potential for widespread mountain snow, with a 50% chance of six inches or more. Wet snow could also reach foothill areas.
While the exact details remain uncertain, the shift in weather patterns signals a notable change from the recent stretch of warm, dry days. The NWS cautions travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to monitor forecasts closely, especially those planning trips into higher elevations where snow accumulation could be significant.
The precipitation outlook map shows above-normal chances for rainfall across much of Montana and the northern plains, with cooler-than-average temperatures expected in the western U.S. Meanwhile, warmer-than-normal conditions remain likely in the southeast.
More updates will be issued throughout the week as the forecast becomes clearer.
