MISSOULA, Mont. – Western Montana will wake to its coldest morning of the season as a Freeze Warning goes into effect from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula.
Subfreezing temperatures are expected across the Flathead, Mission, and Bitterroot valleys, with lows dipping into the low to mid-20s in Hamilton and along the Clark Fork River in Missoula. Areas closer to Kalispell and Polson may see similar readings, while sheltered parts of the Missoula Valley will bottom out near 30°F.
According to the NWS, the bitter chill could end the growing season for much of western Montana, damaging unprotected outdoor plants and plumbing. Residents are urged to drain hoses, cover exposed faucets, and move potted plants indoors. Drivers should allow extra time for frost or ice on windshields during the morning commute.
Conditions will warm quickly after sunrise Monday, but another round of freezing lows is possible midweek as calm, dry weather persists.
