Billings, MT – A chilly night is in store for eastern Montana as temperatures drop into the 30s, raising the risk of patchy frost in low-lying valleys. The National Weather Service in Billings has issued a frost advisory for areas surrounding the city, especially in Baker, Sheridan, and Miles City.
Frost Risk Breakdown by Location
Baker:
75% chance of frost
20% chance of hard freeze by Saturday morning
Sheridan:
50% chance of frost
Miles City:
20% chance of frost
Billings:
Low frost risk, with less than 5% chance expected
Why Frost Is Likely
Clear skies and light overnight winds create ideal conditions for radiational cooling, allowing colder air to settle in sheltered valleys. These conditions are particularly dangerous for sensitive plants, especially in late-season gardens or fields with unharvested crops.
What Residents Should Do
To avoid frost damage:
Bring potted plants indoors before sunset
Cover outdoor gardens or crops with breathable material like a bed sheet or frost cloth
Check livestock water sources, especially in rural or elevated areas, for early signs of freezing
Outlook Into the Weekend
While cool overnight temperatures will continue into early next week, the highest risk of frost is currently forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning. After that, overnight lows are expected to moderate slightly, though some isolated valleys may still see near-frost conditions.
