Extreme Cold/Wind Chill — Northern Blaine County, Montana

2026-01-23 · Northern Blaine County, Montana

Event narrative

Multiple weather station reported extreme wind chill values between -35 to -40 degrees. The lowest wind chill of -40 was recorded at Mesonet station FBLM8 Fort Belknap RAWS.

Wider weather episode

An upper-air disturbance helped to drive an Arctic airmass from Canada into Northern MT. Winds were generally light, but north winds helped lock the cold airmass into the Hi-line on the morning of the 23rd. Extreme cold conditions developed as a result.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1311723. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.