Arctic blast expected to drop temps to over 30 below
Plows lined the streets to clean up after a snowstorm in this Pilot file photo.
The region is expected to see a frigid blast of arctic air Thursday morning that could be the coldest we’ve seen in 40 years, or perhaps, ever.
A snowstorm already brought temperatures a few degrees below zero Monday with a brisk wind. Another winter storm was expected to roll through Tuesday into Wednesday with cold that is expected to swoop down the divide all the way from Siberia, the National Weather Service is predicting. Tuesday's storm was predicted to bring 6 to 9 inches of snow to Whitefish and the valley.
In 1983, temperatures dropped about 18 below zero on Christmas Eve and colder to the north.
This time around, it could drop to as low as 32 below in Kalispell and 35 below in West Glacier,
Polebridge could drop to 41 below. The all-time record is 48 below.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Kalispell was 38 below on Jan. 31 in 1950.
Thursday’s weather, particularly if it's clear and calm, could break that.
Wind chills along the Continental Divide could dip to lower than 50 below.
The Weather Service is urging folks to be prepared — wear multiple layers of clothes and protect exposed skin. Travelers should also have an emergency kit in their vehicle, with extra coats, clothes, food and water.
The weather is expected to moderate significantly by Christmas weekend, however. With highs in the 20s by Saturday and Sunday with a chance of snow each day. By Monday there’s even a chance of light freezing rain.