TODAY: A bitter cold forecast is in store once again for the middle of the week with highs only in the negative teens and negative 20s. We will see mostly cloudy skies once again and there will be isolated snow showers in the morning. Clearing skies expected into the afternoon. The winds will be out of the Northwest at 10-20 mph.
TONIGHT: Bitter cold temperatures continue tonight with lows in the negative teens and negative 20s. We will see scattered cloud cover as well with scattered snow showers likely. The winds will be out of the Northwest at 5-15 mph.
TOMORROW: We remain frigid for one more day with highs in the negative teens and 20s. We will see partly cloudy skies throughout the area. The wind will be light and variable.
FRIDAY: Heading into the end of the week, we will see the start to the warmup with temperatures rising throughout the day eventually winding up in the positive 20s. We will see partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered snow showers as well. The winds will be light around 5 mph.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: We will look to flip the script as we head into the weekend. Our high temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s for both Saturday and Sunday. Colder temperatures are likely in Eastern Montana. We will partly to mostly cloudy skies for both days of the holiday weekend. A big reason for the warmup this weekend will be the winds which will take a turn to come from the Southwest. Winds for Christmas Eve will be around 10-20 mph with gusts to 30-40 mph while the wind for Christmas Day will be at 15-30 mph with gusts to 50 mph.
MONDAY: Heading into the start of next week, we are looking to continue our mild trend with highs in the 30s and 40s. We will be mostly cloudy throughout the area. The wind will be out of the Southwest at 10-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
TUESDAY: We can expect temperatures to get back into the 30s and 40s heading into next Tuesday. We will also see another mostly cloudy day for North-Central Montana. The winds will stay out of the Southwest at 10-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
SAFETY TIPS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible so you need to protect yourself.
1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
2. Wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
3. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
4. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States.
1. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
2. NEVER run generators indoors.
3. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
4. NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
5. If your heat goes out, you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing a cap.
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters:
1. Always keep a screen around an open flame.
2. NEVER use gasoline to start your fireplace.
3. NEVER burn charcoal indoors.
4. Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
5. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
Animal and Pet Safety:
1. Bring pets inside
2. Provide shelter and fresh water
3. Keep salt away from paws
