Montana residents should prepare for a chilly, unsettled finish to October. After a relatively quiet Sunday, the state will see rain and mountain snow spreading from Monday night into Tuesday, followed by a brief lull on Wednesday before additional precipitation returns later in the week.

Sunday night

Late Sunday into the night, light rain is expected to develop across far southeast and northeast Montana, especially near the Dakota border and along the Yellowstone River from Terry toward Sidney.

Monday

Monday will start off quiet for most of the state, though patchy fog or low clouds could redevelop in parts of southwest Montana and along some south‑central foothills. Gusty southeast winds are forecast for northeast Montana. Light rain may linger near the Dakota border, while western and central Montana remain mainly dry throughout the day.

Monday night

A stronger Pacific system will move into the region. Rain and mountain snow will spread into western and southwest Montana Monday afternoon and evening, expanding eastward overnight. Snow levels in western Montana are expected to drop to 4,000–5,000 feet, increasing the likelihood of accumulating snow in the Madison and Gallatin Mountains and other higher terrain.

Tuesday

Tuesday looks to be the most active day statewide. Periods of rain will affect lower elevations, while the mountains and higher passes see accumulating snow. Southwest Montana has a 40‑80 % chance of receiving at least a quarter‑inch of liquid precipitation, and the higher peaks of the Madison and Gallatin ranges have a 50‑80 % chance of at least four inches of snow. Snow levels will generally remain around 4,000–5,000 feet in western Montana. South‑central and southeast areas will also see rain and mountain snow, with several inches possible over portions of the Beartooth, Absaroka and Crazy Mountains. Northeast Montana will experience increasingly widespread rainfall as the system moves across the region.

Wednesday

Conditions should improve somewhat on Wednesday across central and southwest Montana as a temporary ridge brings a period of mostly dry weather. Western Montana will stay within a broader unsettled pattern, and rain from Tuesday’s system may linger into Wednesday across northeast Montana. South‑central and southeast Montana appear relatively quiet, with daytime highs generally in the 40s and 50s.

Thursday through Saturday

The break will be short‑lived. Another trough is expected to move into Montana late in the week, bringing additional rounds of rain and mountain snow from west to east. Western Montana should remain cooler than normal with periodic precipitation and snow, while north‑central and southwest Montana also turn cooler and wetter again. South‑central, southeast and northeast Montana will stay in an unsettled southwest‑flow pattern, with occasional precipitation possible into the weekend. Forecast confidence decreases regarding the exact timing and track of the late‑week systems, but the overall pattern favors continued cool and unsettled weather across the state.

What residents can do

Drivers should allow extra travel time, especially on mountain passes where snow levels are dropping. Outdoor plans may need to be adjusted for cooler temperatures and the chance of rain or snow. Keep an eye on local updates as the forecast evolves, particularly if you live in the Madison, Gallatin, Beartooth, Absaroka or Crazy Mountain areas.

Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.