NWS Western Montana Forecast for the Rest of Winter 2025

Most of Montana experienced mild temperatures through November and December. There wasn't much to get excited about, especially for skiers. That looks like it may be changing for January and February.

Towards the end of last year. the weather predictions for 'Winter 2025' were for a 'robust' ski forecast. A lot of people are wondering what happened with that forecast. The winter isn't over yet, and it looks like those predictions may be coming true after all.

Montana May See More Snow

According to Trent Smith, of the National Weather Service there is a chance that we will be seeing 'La Niña' type conditions coming into the state before the season is over. "La Niña" conditions mean above normal precipitation and average or below average temperatures.

Smith said:

So now looking at into the future, we are still looking at a 'La Niña'. All the things are telling us that the outlook is for above normal precipitation. Through January and February timeframe and then temperatures kind of being near normal, to slightly below normal. At this moment is what we're seeing. 

Montana Could See 'Arctic' Temps By Next Week

Last year Montana got hit by a big Artic blast that dropped the temperature into record lows across the state. I asked Mr. Smith if we are going to see that happen again this winter. Here is what he said about that:

Indication that comes around the January 18th time frame. Again, that's not a solid date, but sometime in that time frame that there is indication that maybe an Arctic front, that really cold air, might be getting close to us.

The long range forecasts that we reported about from the Old Farmer's Almanac, and Powder Chasers all seem to be aligning. The National Weather Service has a Youtube.com channel that they update around the middle of each month.

If you were counting on mild weather for the rest of the winter, the outlook doesn't look good. If you were looking forward to spending time in the snow, the forecast looks good.