Cut Bank Sets New Record High as Great Falls and Helena Tie Record Highs – MTN News Highlights Wednesday Morning Temperatures

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, parts of Montana experienced record-breaking warmth before a significant weather shift brought colder temperatures, precipitation, and heightened fire risks later in the day.

According to KRTV and MTN News, Cut Bank set a new record high temperature, while both Great Falls and Helena tied their respective record highs for the date. The unseasonably warm conditions saw temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s across much of the state, with eastern Montana reaching the 80s and central and western regions cooling into the 60s and 70s as the day progressed.

A cold Pacific storm system moved into the region, triggering a sharp atmospheric change. Forecasters predicted increasing cloud cover through the day, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, and evening. This transition marked a dramatic shift from the earlier warmth to significantly cooler and more unstable conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning effective from 9 a.m. To 9 p.m., citing critical fire weather conditions due to low humidity and strong winds. A High Wind Watch was put in place starting that night and continuing through Thursday afternoon, signaling the potential for damaging gusts across affected areas.

By Thursday, temperatures were expected to drop sharply, with some areas experiencing a decrease of 30 to 40 degrees compared to the previous day’s highs. The forecast included a mix of rain and snow, particularly in higher elevations, alongside strong winds and a rapid decline in temperatures, returning conditions to more seasonal levels for late April.