Stubborn Western Ridge Keeps Billings Area Unseasonably Warm as Foothills Winds Persist

Overview

• Forecasters expect highs in the 40s and 50s through the first week of January with generally dry conditions across lower elevations.
• Recent foothills wind gusts reached 62 mph in Livingston and 49 mph in Big Timber, with additional strong episodes expected and gusts possibly exceeding 50 mph early next week.
• A backdoor cold front arriving Wednesday is projected to bring a slight cooldown to eastern counties and could produce a few morning flurries.
• Light, periodic snow is possible in the Absaroka–Beartooth and southwest mountains from Friday into early next week, with only minor accumulations likely.
• A large high-pressure ridge over western North America remains the dominant pattern driver for the Billings area.