BILLINGS — A huge shift in the weather pattern takes us from record heat Saturday to possible record cold and early snow.
Labor Day will be cool and rainy with mountain snow. Mountain foothills could pick up 3 to 6 inches of snow with a foot or more of new snow possible in the high mountain slopes.
Travelers should be aware of changing conditions and possible slushy roadways with rain and snow. Gardeners should take care with late-season plants and possible frost/freeze overnight.
Winds increase through the afternoon at 15 to 25 mph. Gusts to 40 to 45 mph possible.
Rain will continue Monday through southern Montana and northern Wyoming for the lower elevations, with lower rain totals in southeast Montana. Showers will taper off through the evening hours and end in most of the area by early Tuesday.
High temperatures Monday will occur early in the day and hold steady or drop to the afternoon. Tuesday will start with readings in the 20s and 30s and threaten some record cold temperatures. Afternoon highs will be mainly in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
A general warm-up will follow, with highs hitting the 70s to 80s by the end of the work week.
Billings forecast:
Labor Day… Rain is likely through the afternoon with temperatures holding steady or dropping through the day. Winds increase 15 to 25 miles an hour during the afternoon.
Monday night… Mainly evening showers with a low around 34. Winds decreasing during the evening.
Tuesday… Mostly sunny with a high near 52.
