Dangerous Driving Conditions and Record Cold Tonight

Record cold temperatures are likely Monday night into Tuesday. After a blast of snow and wind with a cold front that moved through Montana on Monday, an arctic airmass is settling into the state. As high pressure builds into Montana, the wind will continue to blow through the overnight hours creating wind chills well below zero, and the coldest areas could have wind chills as low as -35. Tuesday morning will be a tough start to be outside with temperatures in the 0s and -0s, wind chills will be between -5 and -35. A few clouds will linger early with isolated snow showers, but more sunshine will develop across the state by the afternoon. Still, highs will only be in the 10s and 20s. Fortunately the wind will be lighter through the day. Tuesday night will be extremely cold again for the end of October with more record lows likely. Most towns will be in the single digits above and below zero. Wednesday will be a sunny, bright day but temperatures will only top out in the 20s and 30s. Some blowing snow is possible off of the Rocky Mountain Front. Halloween is coming this Thursday and so is another cold front with snow. Unfortunately, areas of light snow are likely up along the Hi-line from Havre out through Glasgow. A few afternoon snow showers are possible near Great Falls, Helena and Lewistown as well. High temperatures will modify somewhat getting into the 30s to around 40. Trick or Treat temperatures will generally be in the 30s. It won't be the coldest Halloween ever but costumes may need a jacket under them. Some moderation in temperature is likely this weekend with highs getting into the 40s. Don't forget on this first weekend of November we "fall back" on Saturday night as Daylight Saving Time goes into effect. An extra hour of sleep for all and the longest weekend of the year (49 hours) should be something to look forward to.
Have a great day and stay warm!
Curtis Grevenitz