Northern Montana Under Dangerous Cold Weather Advisory as Wind Chills Plunge to 35 Below Zero
HAVRE, MONTANA — Residents across northern Montana are being urged to take extreme precautions as a Cold Weather Advisory goes into effect this evening, bringing life-threatening wind chills as low as 35 degrees below zero.
According to the National Weather Service, the advisory will remain in place through Monday morning, impacting communities from Havre to Glasgow and across much of the northern border region.
Arctic Air Pushes In
Forecasters say a surge of Arctic air has settled over the northern Rockies, sending temperatures plummeting and combining with strong winds to create dangerously cold wind chills.
Wind speeds between 15 and 25 mph, paired with subzero temperatures, are expected to drive “feels-like” readings to between -25°F and -35°F.
Meteorologists warn that frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin under these conditions.
“This level of cold is extremely dangerous and not to be taken lightly,” officials cautioned. “People should limit time outdoors and cover all exposed skin if travel is absolutely necessary.”
Areas Under Advisory
The advisory covers northern Montana counties along the U.S.–Canada border, including:
- Hill County (Havre)
- Phillips County
- Blaine County
- Daniels and Sheridan Counties near the Williston area
- Portions of Valley County, stretching toward Glasgow
These regions will see the harshest cold overnight, with actual air temperatures dropping to -15°F to -25°F by early Monday morning.
Health and Safety Concerns
Officials are reminding residents to bundle up in multiple layers, keep emergency kits in vehicles, and check on vulnerable neighbors and the elderly. Pets and livestock should also be sheltered indoors, as the extreme cold poses severe risks to animals.
Health experts warn of the onset of hypothermia and frostbite symptoms, which include numbness, pale or waxy skin, and intense shivering.
“If you must be outside, limit your exposure to just a few minutes at a time,” a Great Falls meteorologist advised. “Wind chills this low can cause frostbite faster than most people realize.”
Looking Ahead
Temperatures are expected to remain well below average through early next week before a gradual warming trend returns by midweek. However, nighttime lows will continue to drop below zero for several days, keeping dangerous conditions in place for much of northern Montana.
What Residents Should Do
- Avoid outdoor activity if possible.
- Cover all exposed skin, especially hands, ears, and face.
- Keep emergency blankets and supplies in vehicles.
- Never leave pets or livestock outside overnight.
Officials emphasize that even brief exposure could prove hazardous as this Arctic outbreak grips Montana heading into December.
Stay weather-aware with ongoing updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
