Unseasonal snow blankets Fergus and Judith Basin counties
Monday morning in Central Montana began with a dramatic shift in weather, as temperatures plunged and snow levels dropped to around 4000 feet, bringing steady accumulating snow to areas like Judith Basin and Fergus counties. Above 5000 feet, heavier snowfall created slushy and slick road conditions, impacting mountain travel across the region.
Rain soaks areas south of MT-200
As of Monday morning, rain showers continued along and south of MT-200, with many towns already receiving more rainfall since Sunday than during the entire month of April. The precipitation is tapering off gradually from north to south, but road conditions remain wet and chilly. Expect daytime highs to stay well below normal, hovering in the 40s and 50s °F (4–15 °C) across central Montana, and dipping into the 30s °F (around 1 °C) in the mountains and Fergus and Judith Basin counties.
Cold mornings ahead before a warming trend
In the wake of this storm, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will bring freezing or near-freezing temperatures, especially in valley locations. By Wednesday afternoon, skies will begin to clear, and temperatures will rebound modestly — into the 50s °F (10–15 °C) for Fergus and Judith Basin, and low to mid 60s °F (16–18 °C) across the rest of central and eastern Montana.
Looking ahead: Warmer and drier pattern sets in
Aside from a stray shower or isolated thunderstorm on Thursday, the rest of the week looks dry, mostly sunny, and much warmer. By Friday and into the weekend, expect daytime highs climbing into the 70s and even near 80 °F (21–27 °C) across most of Montana, marking a return to spring-like warmth after this brief but potent cold snap.
