Did Montana Skip a Season? 70s Could Show Up This Week

Much of Montana has been experiencing unseasonably mild temperatures this winter, and now it looks like Mother Nature is turning up the thermostat even more this week. Some communities across the state are looking at potential record-breaking highs.

According to a post from the National Weather Service Great Falls office, we could see the low 70s in some areas on Thursday (expected to be the warmest day of the week).

Anticipated highs around the state on Thursday include:

• Bozeman Airport - 65. The record high is 65, set in 2007.
• Cut Bank Airport - 70. The record high is 65, set in 1984.
• Dillon Airport - 64. The record high is 57, set in 2015.
• Great Falls Airport - 72. The record high is 62, set in 1941.
• Havre Airport - 59. The record high is 58, set in 1987.
• Helena Airport - 65. The record high is 63, set in 2007.
• Lewistown Airport - 69. The record high is 60, set in 1984.

And the warm conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, although not as dramatically, with 50s and 60s expected for many areas, particularly east of the Divide through Monday next week.

Read More: Full Moon And Planetary Alignment Highlight February Nights

What about the snowpack?

Dry and mild conditions in January and February can make Montanans a bit nervous about snowpack, but according to the NRCS, we're actually looking ok. End-of-December snowpack levels are at or near 100% in most areas.

Locals know that February, March, and even April are typically our big months for precipitation, so unless things get dangerously dry (or start melting too soon), there should be adequate water this summer.

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Plants aren't sure what's going on.

Meanwhile, gardeners in the warmer areas of Montana are beginning to notice some flower bulbs emerging, and we've heard reports of lilac bushes and some trees already starting to bud. Punxatawny Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but it will feel very much like spring in Big Sky Country, at least for a week or two.