Just when you thought summer had officially arrived, Mother Nature is throwing a curveball. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for six states as an unseasonable snowstorm barrels toward the northern Rockies. Yes, you read that right—snow in June.
While much of the country is firing up grills and hitting the beach, residents in parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming could be digging out from up to 24 inches of the white stuff. The Great Falls office of the National Weather Service is sounding the alarm, warning that this isn't your typical summer shower.
Which States Are on Alert?
The full list of states under the weather advisory includes Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Oregon. However, the heaviest snowfall is expected to target the high elevations of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Forecasters say periods of rain and snow will continue over the next couple of days, with the heaviest precipitation shifting from southwest Montana into north-central Montana tonight.
This rare summer storm comes on the heels of other extreme weather events across the U.S., including gusty winds that sparked critical fire alerts in several western states. It's a stark reminder that weather doesn't always follow the calendar.
What the National Weather Service Is Saying
The official statement from the Great Falls office urges caution: “Persons should consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations. If travel is absolutely necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
That's serious advice for a season when most people aren't thinking about snow. But with accumulations potentially reaching two feet, it's no joke. The same region recently dealt with flood watches from heavy rain, and now they're bracing for a winter-like blast.
How to Handle a Summer Snowstorm
If you find yourself caught in this bizarre weather event, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Stay home if possible. Only venture out if absolutely necessary. Even experienced drivers can get into trouble on snow-covered roads.
- Drive slowly. Reduce your speed to account for lower traction. Accelerate and decelerate gently to avoid skids.
- Increase following distance to five or six seconds. This gives you more time to react if you need to stop.
- Know your brakes. Keep your heel on the floor and apply steady pressure—no stomping.
- Avoid stopping on hills. If you can keep rolling, do it. Starting from a stop on an icy incline is a nightmare.
- Don't power up hills. Extra gas just spins your wheels. Build momentum before the climb and let it carry you.
These tips aren't just for winter—they're essential for any unexpected snow event. And with climate patterns growing more unpredictable, we might see more of these oddities. Just last week, 65 mph gusts threatened the Northeast, showing how volatile weather can be.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
This storm is a reminder that nature doesn't care about our seasonal expectations. Whether you're a hiker, a commuter, or just someone hoping for a normal summer day, keep an eye on the forecast. The National Weather Service will continue to update warnings as the system moves through.
For now, if you're in the affected zones, take the warnings seriously. Double-check your emergency kit, charge your devices, and maybe hold off on that mountain hike until the snow melts. Summer will return—eventually.
