Blocked Western Ridge Keeps Billings Warm and Windy to Start 2026
A blocking ridge tied to a negative NAO is deflecting storms, keeping temperatures far above normal.
Overview
- Billings set a December 31 record high of 56 degrees at the Billings Airport.
- Highs are forecast to hold in the 40s and 50s through the first week of January with mostly dry conditions.
- Foothills corridors reported strong winds, including a 62 mph gust in Livingston and 49 mph in Big Timber.
- Forecasters expect episodic 40–50+ mph gusts to persist through Thursday morning and likely return this weekend into early next week.
- A backdoor cold front brings slight cooling and a chance for brief morning flurries in eastern counties, while light mountain snow is possible from Friday into early next week.