BILLINGS — One more warm and dry day before our winter storm arrives.
Dry and warm Tuesday with a highs moving into the upper 60s to low 70s ahead of the cold front that arrives late tonight. Expect breezy conditions at times, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph near the Livingston foothills.
As a cold front passes through during the evening and overnight, initial rain showers will switch to snow. The heaviest snow will be along the Beartooth foothills where 12 to 18 inches of snow are possible.
Snow is expected to be wet and heavy, and it will be breezy at times. Snow loading will likely cause downed tree limbs and power outages. Travel will be impacted with falling snow and slushy and slick conditions.
The system will move out of the area from west to east Wednesday night, shifting the best chance of precipitation and wind in southeastern Montana.
A clearing sky and fresh snow will allow temperatures to drop to the teens early Thursday and Friday mornings. This will challenge some record cold daily temperatures.
Leave extra time for travel, dress for the weather, and don’t leave kids at the bus stop as buses could easily be delayed. Be mindful of pets and livestock.
Billings forecast:
Tuesday… Some clearing in the morning leaving us mostly sunny in the afternoon. A high near 72. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.
Tuesday night… Rain showers possible late evening switching to rain and snow overnight. Expect accumulations in the morning with the low around 25.
Wednesday… Accumulating snow. High near 29.
