Montana Weather 3/7 Evening - Wind Whiplash Warning

Good evening. Montana. I'm Michael Nally. Step outside this morning and you’ll feel it—spring is teasing us. We’re waking up to 46 degrees under clear skies. And with sunrise at 6:51 A.M., we’re gaining daylight fast. But don't put away the winter gear yet. This weekend is a tale of two Montanas: one side basking in near-record warmth, the other bracing for wind that could knock you off your feet. If you’re in Billings or Miles City today, you’re living the dream. Highs soar to 69 degrees—that’s 15 degrees above normal. But those southwest winds will howl at 20 to 30 miles an hour, with gusts to 43. Tonight, temps stay mild, dipping only to 35 degrees. But by Monday, reality checks in. A cold front drops highs to 50 degrees, bringing a chance of rain and snow showers by Monday night. Head west to Great Falls. And you’ll find the real drama. A High Wind Warning is in effect, with gusts 60 to 75 miles an hour—strong enough to flip a trash can. Highs hit 60 degrees, but areas of blowing dust could drop visibility fast. Tonight, lows plummet to 29 degrees. By Monday, the script flips: highs struggle to 44 degrees with a slight chance of snow. If you’re traveling I-15, buckle up—crosswinds will make driving a white-knuckle affair. Over in Missoula and Kalispell, today starts mild near 55 degrees, but the story changes fast. A Wind Advisory kicks in Sunday morning, with gusts to 35 miles an hour in the valleys. The West Glacier region faces gusts up to 70 miles an hour overnight. Rain moves in Sunday afternoon, turning to snow by Monday as highs drop to 42 degrees. By Tuesday, winter flexes its muscles, with highs barely reaching 37 degrees. Here's the rollercoaster ride for the week ahead. Sunday brings the warmest air, but winds gusting to 75 miles an hour in the mountains steal the show. Monday, a cold front crashes the party—dropping temps 20 degrees in 24 hours and bringing rain and snow showers statewide. Tuesday through Wednesday, winter returns with highs in the 30s and snow likely sticking around. Thursday hints at another wind event, while Friday stays cooler and unsettled. Secure those loose patio furniture today. You don't want to chase that down the street tomorrow. See you tomorrow.