Arctic front bears down on Northwest Montana

After a day of digging out, Northwest Montana residents are in for a frigid Thursday, with temperature readings that could plummet well below zero, and then some.

Near-record to record-breaking temperatures of minus 35F to minus 50F are expected along the Continental Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula, with readings of minus 15F to minus 30F for the rest of western Montana.

Add in a slight wind, and it will feel like 60 below zero in most locations Thursday.

“This cold will challenge long-established cold records,” the National Weather Service warned. “If there was a time to avoid discretionary travel across the Northern Rockies, now would be that time.”

The extremely cold arctic airmass began its march across the Northern Rockies on Tuesday, bringing a bout of heavy snow to the region.

Most areas had received 8-12 inches of snow by Wednesday morning. Kalispell reported 9 inches, Whitefish and West Glacier had 10 inches, Libby picked up 12 inches and Trout Creek reported 14 inches. Essex along U.S. 2 south of Glacier Park reported 20 inches.

Dangerous driving conditions and frigid temperatures Wednesday morning caused numerous school closures. Kalispell, West Valley, Pleasant Valley, Evergreen, Deer Park, Creston, Cayuse Prairie, Polson, Thompson Falls and St. Matthew’s were among the districts to close for the day.

Department of Transportation reports indicated widespread ice and snow-covered roads, with some areas of blowing and drifting making travel challenging. Hodgson Road from U.S. 2 to Whitefish Stage was closed Tuesday night to all traffic due to impassable conditions.

Wind gusts of 50 mph were observed in the Flathead Valley on Wednesday, with a wind chill of minus 70 reported at Glacier National Park.

The Northern Rockies should emerge from the cold snap by Christmas Day, when high temperatures could reach the 20s. A small threat of freezing rain for area valleys remains in the forecast next week.