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Thunderstorms to Snow: April Fools' Storm Hits Montana
A spring storm system will bring a mix of wild weather to the state, including thunderstorms, heavy snow, and plummeting temperatures.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:52pm
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A powerful spring storm system is moving into Montana, bringing a wild mix of weather conditions over the next few days. The storm will start with thunderstorms on Thursday, then transition to heavy snow that could accumulate 6-16 inches in the mountains and several inches in lower elevations. Temperatures will plummet as the snow moves in, with Good Friday morning seeing the coldest conditions before the snow tapers off. The unsettled weather is expected to continue through the Easter holiday weekend.
Why it matters
This late-season winter storm is an unusual and disruptive weather event for Montana, coming right before the Easter holiday. The mix of thunderstorms, heavy snow, and plunging temperatures could impact travel, outdoor activities, and holiday plans across the state.
The details
The storm system will move into Montana on Thursday, bringing widespread rain and snow. Thunderstorms are expected in the early morning hours, potentially creating difficult travel conditions. By Thursday afternoon, the precipitation will transition to all snow, which will continue through Thursday night and into Friday morning. The mountains could see 6-16 inches of snow accumulation, with a few to several inches possible in lower elevations. Temperatures will fall sharply, with lows on Friday morning in the 30s.
- The storm system will arrive in Montana on Thursday, April 6, 2026.
- Thunderstorms are expected in the early morning hours on Thursday.
- The precipitation will transition to all snow by Thursday afternoon.
- The heavy snow will continue through Thursday night and into Friday morning, April 7, 2026.
- The coldest temperatures will occur on Good Friday morning, April 7, 2026.
The players
Curtis Grevenitz
The chief meteorologist at KTVH who reported on the incoming spring storm system.
What they’re saying
“Happy April! Mother Nature is foolin' around with a storm that will produce thunderstorms before a healthy amount of spring snow.”
— Curtis Grevenitz, Chief Meteorologist
What’s next
The storm system is expected to continue impacting Montana through the Easter holiday weekend, with more snow likely on Wednesday, April 9th.
The takeaway
This late-season winter storm is a reminder that Montana's weather can be unpredictable, even in the spring. Residents should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and potential disruptions to travel and outdoor plans over the next several days.
