February Brings a Winter Storm Warning to Southern Montana

Punxsutawney Phil waddled out of his den to see his shadow this morning in PA (2/2/25), predicting six more weeks of winter. Meanwhile, I waddled out of my bedroom this morning just as light snow started falling in the Billings area.

Who knows if we'll have six more weeks of winter weather (probably), but we are set for a week of nastiness, as a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for much of southern Montana. Punxsutawney Phil's historical accuracy is only 39%, but the latest forecast from the National Weather Service is calling for a 90% chance of snow, with possibly significant accumulation in many areas across Montana.

A Winter Storm Warning until 5 AM Monday, 2/3.

An early band of snow is expected to drop 1 - 3 inches throughout the day on Sunday, with another round of heavier snow expected Sunday evening and overnight into Monday. For the Billings area, the NWS is forecasting:

• Up to 4" of snow Sunday night, with a low of 1.
• Up to 4" of new snow on Monday, with a high of 6.
• Less than 1" of new snow on Monday night, with a low of -4 and windchill of -20.
• A 40% chance of light snow on Tuesday, with a high of 2.
• 1" of new snow on Wednesday, with a high of 8.

The front is expected to start moving out of the area by Thursday when daytime highs will finally climb above 20F.

Numerous Montana counties are under the Winter Storm Warning.

Cities and communities affected by this storm include: Warren, Ryegate, Billings, Lodge Grass, Absarokee, Shawmut, Lavina, Hardin, Columbus, Fromberg, Clyde Park, Pompeys Pillar, Custer, Joliet, Pryor, Park City, Laurel, Roscoe, Huntley, Colstrip, Fort Smith, Big Timber, Busby, McLeod, Forsyth, Musselshell, Crow Agency, Wilsall, Bighorn, Roundup, Melstone, Livingston, Harlowton, Melville, Springdale, Red Lodge, Bridger, Judith Gap, Hysham, Rapelje, Angela, Twodot, Belfry, Fishtail, Roberts, Nye, Reed Point, Ingomar, Broadview, and Wyola.

If you don't have to travel, don't.

The National Weather Service reminds drivers that if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, call 5 1 1 or visit MT511.net