Is is Really “Dangerously Cold” in Montana? We Have Questions

Montanans are funny when it comes to temperature perception. For example... when the temperature first hits 50 degrees in late March, it feels like the warmest sunshine ever. We're putting on shorts and looking for our flip-flops.

But when we get that first blustery fall day in November, and the afternoon finally warms up to 50 degrees, it can feel downright frigid. "Where's my hoodie and stocking hat?" we wonder, in a here-comes-winter panic.

Montana is ranked one of the most dangerously cold states in America.

We've been blessed with a mild fall, but soon the real cold will be settling over Big Sky Country and locals are prepared for those winter months where highs might not creep above 0 for days at a time.

Fun, right? These bitterly cold temps, typically combined with arctic wind chill, are certainly dangerous. Exposed skin can quickly develop frostbite and hypothermia can kill in a shockingly short time.

Read More: Decoding Montana’s Top-Searched Slang Words of 2024

It's not a surprise that Montana has been ranked one of the most dangerously cold states in America. The law firm Bader Scott recently compiled data revealing which states are most dangerous in the winter and Montana ranked #6. Wyoming took the top spot, and we won't argue with that.

HOWEVER, several of the "most dangerous" winter states on the report have us asking questions, because a surprising number of these states in the top 10 are not typically known for their harsh winter months.

1. Wyoming
2. New Mexico
3. Kentucky
4. Arkansas
5. West Virginia
6. Montana
7. South Dakota
8. Mississippi
9. Tennessee
10. South Carolina

Really?? Kentucky at #3? Mississippi has the 8th most dangerous winter? How is that even possible? Do the alligators get extra aggressive in January? Do people even own snow shovels in Kentucky and West Virginia? How often does it freeze in Tennessee?

Get our free mobile app

According to the report, they analyzed a variety of data, including the CDC mortality rate for peripheral vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, slips and falls, and natural weather events in the winter months of December to February as well as the FARS mortality rate in fatal crashes in the winter months.

The study also looked at the FEMA Winter Weather Risk Index Score, Social Vulnerability Score, and Community Resilience Score.