How have Montana weather patterns changed over recent decades?
Climatologists and meteorologists often say there is no such thing as average weather and Montana is no exception. Quality weather gathering statistics do not extend as far back in time here as they do for other regions of the country. Nonetheless, weather extremes are broader here than perhaps any state. A -70 below zero F was recorded at Rogers Pass in the mid 20th Century and two highs of 117 F are also on the books, the latest in 1937 at Medicine Lake. One hundred degree temperature swings have been recorded on several occasions in a 24-hour period, the most recent -54 to 49 F at Loma in 1972. The following site offers an excellent overview of weather extremes and events in Montana (PDF). The Montana Climate Office exhibits 50-year weather trends for five Montana cities. The general trend appears to be toward slight warming. The March mean temperatures seem markedly higher, however. For more weather pattern information, see Montanas precipitation patterns east of the Continental Di
