GLASGOW, Mont. — Residents across northeastern Montana should prepare for a cold, wet start to the week, with temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s, widespread rain expected, and the possibility of mixed precipitation or snow in some communities through Monday, October 12.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Glasgow, a much colder weather pattern is expected to affect the region Sunday, October 11, and Monday. The potential for wintry precipitation is greatest in areas west of Montana Highway 191, where lower temperatures could allow rain to mix with snow or change to snow.
The combination of chilly temperatures and wet conditions could affect travel, particularly on rural roads and unpaved surfaces. Residents should monitor updated weather forecasts as conditions develop and allow extra time for travel if rain or wintry precipitation affects their area.
Temperatures Expected to Fall Across Northeastern Montana
Sunday’s forecast calls for afternoon temperatures well below those experienced during warmer periods earlier in October. Several communities are expected to remain in the low to mid-40s, while some higher-elevation and colder locations could struggle to reach 40 degrees.
Glasgow is forecast to reach a high of just 44 degrees Sunday. Glendive could see temperatures rise to around 49 degrees, while Jordan and Plentywood are expected to reach approximately 44 degrees. Malta is forecast to remain near 42 degrees.
Conditions could be colder in communities farther west and in elevated areas. Opheim is expected to reach a high near 40 degrees, while Zortman could see temperatures remain around 38 degrees.
The cool weather is expected to continue into Monday, bringing another day of below-average temperatures to parts of the region. Forecast highs include approximately 34 degrees in Zortman, 36 degrees in Opheim and 37 degrees in Winnett.
These lower temperatures are important because precipitation falling during colder periods may not remain entirely in liquid form. Depending on local temperatures and conditions in the atmosphere, some areas could experience a mixture of rain and snow.
Rain and Possible Snow Could Continue Into Monday
Rain is expected to develop across northeastern Montana Sunday and continue into Monday, according to the forecast information provided by the National Weather Service in Glasgow.
Although many communities could experience primarily rain, colder areas have the potential to see mixed precipitation or snowfall. The greatest concern for wintry precipitation is west of Montana Highway 191, where temperatures may be low enough for snow to develop.
Rainfall totals are expected to vary by location. Some communities could receive several tenths of an inch of precipitation through Monday. The latest forecast information also indicates that expected rainfall amounts have increased, suggesting residents should continue checking for updates as the weather system moves through the region.
The exact type and amount of precipitation may differ between nearby communities. Small changes in temperature can determine whether an area receives rain, a rain-and-snow mix, or snow.
Residents should therefore avoid assuming that conditions will be the same throughout northeastern Montana. Local forecasts will provide the most useful information about expected precipitation and temperatures in individual communities.
Wet Roads Could Create Travel Challenges
The combination of rain and colder temperatures could make travel more difficult, especially on unpaved roads across rural northeastern Montana.
Rainfall can leave dirt and gravel roads muddy, reduce traction and make it harder for vehicles to maintain control. If temperatures fall enough for snow or mixed precipitation to develop, driving conditions could change further, particularly in colder locations.
Drivers traveling between communities should consider allowing additional time, reducing speed when roads are wet, and checking conditions before leaving. Motorists using rural routes should also be prepared for changing road surfaces and visibility as precipitation develops.
Anyone planning travel west of Montana Highway 191 should pay particular attention to local weather updates because that area has the greatest forecast potential for wintry precipitation.
The forecast does not establish that hazardous road conditions will occur everywhere. However, the possibility of rain, snow and temperatures near freezing makes it important for residents to remain alert to changing conditions.
Warmer Weather Could Return Later in the Week
The colder pattern is expected to ease later in the week, offering some relief after Sunday’s and Monday’s chilly conditions.
Glasgow could reach approximately 56 degrees by Wednesday, October 14. Temperatures may then climb into the upper 50s and lower 60s in several communities by Thursday and Friday, according to the forecast information provided.
The potential warming trend would bring more moderate afternoon temperatures to parts of northeastern Montana. However, conditions may vary from one community to another, and residents should consult updated forecasts for the latest temperature and precipitation expectations.
For now, the immediate concern remains the cold, wet weather expected through Monday. The potential for rain to mix with snow in colder locations means residents should be prepared for conditions to change over a relatively short period.
What Residents Should Watch For
Residents across northeastern Montana should continue monitoring National Weather Service updates for changes to expected rainfall amounts, the potential for snow, and local temperature forecasts.
Those traveling on rural roads should be especially mindful of muddy surfaces and reduced traction. People with outdoor plans may also want to prepare for cold temperatures and wet conditions throughout Sunday and Monday.
While warmer weather could return by the middle of the week, the start of the week is expected to bring a noticeable shift toward colder and wetter conditions across the region.