Strong Winds Predicted, Ice Jams Possible

National Weather Service Updated Forecast (1:03 pm Monday)

CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS BRIEFING

The potential for strong winds over the western foothills has increased for Tuesday, January 9.

Strong winds Tuesday

Livingston: Winds increase this evening, persisting through Wednesday morning. Probability of seeing 60+ mph winds: 95%

Big Timber to Harlowton: Winds increase Tuesday afternoon, persisting through Wednesday morning. Probability of seeing 60+ mph winds: 90%

Rest of Area: Gusts between 20 to 40 mph (Best chances for 40 mph gusts reside around and west of Billings)

Periods of light snow

Tuesday through the weekend will see continued light snow chances across the region.
Best chance for accumulating snow is Wednesday evening (moderate chance) before the coldest temperatures arrive (Cold temperatures will limit snow accumulations).

Significant accumulations not expected through the end of the week. Details remain uncertain, especially over the weekend.

Arctic air enters the region late Wednesday

Coldest air of the season enters the region Wednesday evening, lasting through at least the weekend.

Initial cold front drops through Wednesday, dropping temperatures through the afternoon and evening. Prolonged period of cold expected Thursday through at least Sunday.

Another cold front Friday will bring the coldest temperatures of the season.

Rapid cool-down will bring concerns for ice jams as rivers and streams ice up.