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A late-season winter storm is set to bring significant snowfall to parts of Montana and Wyoming, with forecasters warning some mountainous areas could see more than a foot of accumulation through Thursday.
While snow in high elevation is not uncommon in May, the timing and intensity of this system underscores the lingering influence of winter conditions well into late spring. Heavy snow this time of year can disrupt travel in mountain corridors that are increasingly used by recreational visitors, while also potentially affecting early-season outdoor activities and local economies. In addition, accumulating snow and fluctuating temperatures can contribute to unstable conditions in higher terrain, potentially increasing risks such as avalanches or delayed runoff impacts later in the season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings has issued a winter storm warning for portions of southern Montana, alongside a winter weather advisory covering areas that span both states. Snowfall totals could reach as high as 13 inches in some locations, accompanied by gusty winds that may further reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, including Cooke City.
Forecasters say heavy snow is expected, primarily on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet. Total accumulations are projected to range between 8 and 13 inches, with winds gusting up to 30 mph.
The NWS warned that recreation in the high country could be significantly impacted by the accumulating snow, particularly for those venturing into mountainous terrain. Travelers are urged to carry emergency supplies, including extra food, water and a flashlight, in case conditions deteriorate.
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows where the heaviest snow is expected to fall over the next few days.
A winter weather advisory has been issued from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana and the Northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, including areas near Burgess Junction and Story.
Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected, with wind gusts also reaching up to 30 mph. The advisory warns that travel conditions could become difficult throughout the day, particularly during the morning and evening hours.
Roadways, including U.S. Route 14, are likely to become slippery and hazardous as snow accumulates and winds increase. Drivers are advised to slow down and exercise caution, with officials emphasizing the potential for rapidly changing conditions.
Officials recommend checking road conditions before traveling and staying alert to updated forecasts as the storm progresses.
Cars drive on a snow-covered road. Parts of Montana and Wyoming could see heavy snowfall through Thursday night.
In lower-elevations, thunderstorms and rain are expected across the region as a cold front passes through.
“Showers and weak thunderstorms will spread south and east over the area this afternoon and evening as a cold front drops through the region. Thunderstorms could bring gusty and erratic winds, small hail and brief downpours,” NWS Billings posted on X.
Meanwhile, NWS offices in the Great Lakes have issued frost advisories and freeze warnings as cold weather sweeps across the region.
Frost advisories have been issued for northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the northern half of Michigan as well as the Upper Peninsula. Freeze warnings, which are more severe than frost advisories, have also been issued in Michigan.
Animated temperature footage from windy.com shows the progression as cold temperatures sweep across the region.
Both alerts will expire by Thursday night.
During the snowfall event, residents and visitors in both states should follow these steps:
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While snow in high elevation is not uncommon in May, the timing and intensity of this system underscores the lingering influence of winter conditions well into late spring. Heavy snow this time of year can disrupt travel in mountain corridors that are increasingly used by recreational visitors, while also potentially affecting early-season outdoor activities and local economies. In addition, accumulating snow and fluctuating temperatures can contribute to unstable conditions in higher terrain, potentially increasing risks such as avalanches or delayed runoff impacts later in the season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings has issued a winter storm warning for portions of southern Montana, alongside a winter weather advisory covering areas that span both states. Snowfall totals could reach as high as 13 inches in some locations, accompanied by gusty winds that may further reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions.
Montana Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, including Cooke City.
Forecasters say heavy snow is expected, primarily on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet. Total accumulations are projected to range between 8 and 13 inches, with winds gusting up to 30 mph.
The NWS warned that recreation in the high country could be significantly impacted by the accumulating snow, particularly for those venturing into mountainous terrain. Travelers are urged to carry emergency supplies, including extra food, water and a flashlight, in case conditions deteriorate.
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows where the heaviest snow is expected to fall over the next few days.
Wyoming Winter Weather Advisory
A winter weather advisory has been issued from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana and the Northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, including areas near Burgess Junction and Story.
Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected, with wind gusts also reaching up to 30 mph. The advisory warns that travel conditions could become difficult throughout the day, particularly during the morning and evening hours.
Roadways, including U.S. Route 14, are likely to become slippery and hazardous as snow accumulates and winds increase. Drivers are advised to slow down and exercise caution, with officials emphasizing the potential for rapidly changing conditions.
Officials recommend checking road conditions before traveling and staying alert to updated forecasts as the storm progresses.
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Cars drive on a snow-covered road. Parts of Montana and Wyoming could see heavy snowfall through Thursday night.
Thunderstorms, Rain Also Expected
In lower-elevations, thunderstorms and rain are expected across the region as a cold front passes through.
“Showers and weak thunderstorms will spread south and east over the area this afternoon and evening as a cold front drops through the region. Thunderstorms could bring gusty and erratic winds, small hail and brief downpours,” NWS Billings posted on X.
Cold Weather Hits Great Lakes Region
Meanwhile, NWS offices in the Great Lakes have issued frost advisories and freeze warnings as cold weather sweeps across the region.
Frost advisories have been issued for northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the northern half of Michigan as well as the Upper Peninsula. Freeze warnings, which are more severe than frost advisories, have also been issued in Michigan.
Animated temperature footage from windy.com shows the progression as cold temperatures sweep across the region.
Late-Season Winter Storm: What Happens Next
Both alerts will expire by Thursday night.
During the snowfall event, residents and visitors in both states should follow these steps:
- Stay informed: Check local NWS updates and state DOT road reports before heading out.
- Adjust driving habits: Slow down significantly. Spring tires do not grip late-season mountain slush the way winter tires do.
- Pack the essentials: If you are heading anywhere near the backcountry, do not leave without waterproof layers, heavy thermal gear, and an emergency cold-weather kit.
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