Billings Area Braces for Dramatic Weather Shift

Warmer temperatures and fire risk on Monday, followed by a cold front, snow, and travel difficulties

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Billings, Montana area is set to experience a dramatic shift in weather conditions over the next week. Monday will see warmer-than-average temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, with breezy to windy conditions that will elevate the risk of grass fires. However, a disturbance from the Great Basin will bring a chance of light mountain snow and lower-elevation rain/snow on Monday night and Tuesday, ahead of a strong cold front that will drop temperatures throughout the day Tuesday and bring strong wind gusts between 35-55 mph.

Why it matters

The rapid change in weather conditions will impact travel, outdoor activities, and fire risk in the Billings area. The potential for 1-3 inches of snow midweek could create hazardous driving conditions, while the warm and windy start to the week raises concerns about grass fires.

The details

On Monday, highs are expected to reach the mid-50s to low 60s, with breezy to windy conditions and gusts up to 40 mph along the foothills and 25 mph elsewhere. This warm, dry, and windy weather will slightly elevate the risk of grass fires. A disturbance from the Great Basin will then bring a chance of light mountain snow and lower-elevation rain/snow on Monday night and Tuesday, ahead of a strong cold front that will drop temperatures throughout the day Tuesday and bring strong wind gusts between 35-55 mph. Confidence is growing for 1-3 inches of snow in the lower elevations on Wednesday night and Thursday, which could create travel difficulties due to reduced visibility and slick roads.

  • On Monday, highs are expected to reach the mid-50s to low 60s.
  • Monday night through Tuesday, a disturbance from the Great Basin will bring a chance of light mountain snow and lower-elevation rain/snow.
  • Tuesday, a strong cold front will drop temperatures throughout the day and bring strong wind gusts between 35-55 mph.
  • Wednesday night and Thursday, 1-3 inches of snow is expected in the lower elevations.
  • Friday and possibly Saturday, a weaker disturbance could bring a slight chance of snow.

The players

Miller Robson

Q2 Morning Meteorologist at KTVQ.

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What they’re saying

“Expect some travel difficulties (reduced visibility, slick roads) during this period.”

— Miller Robson, Q2 Morning Meteorologist (KTVQ)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential for snow and hazardous travel conditions in the Billings area.

The takeaway

The Billings area is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather conditions, with a warm and dry start to the week giving way to a cold front, snow, and potential travel difficulties. Residents should stay informed on the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the changing weather.