Look, if you live in Great Falls, you know the drill. One minute you're walking the River's Edge Trail in a light hoodie because the Chinook winds decided to be nice, and the next, you're wondering if your eyelashes are actually freezing together. It's the Montana way. But honestly, the upcoming 10-day forecast for great falls montana is looking like a classic "tale of two winters," and you've really got to see how fast things are about to shift.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting in a weirdly comfortable pocket. The high hit 49°F today. That’s nearly 15 degrees above the typical January average for our neck of the woods. But don't let that sun fool you into thinking spring is making an early cameo.
The Immediate Outlook: Enjoy the 40s While They Last
The next few days are basically the "calm before the storm," though in Great Falls, "calm" still involves a 17 mph southwest wind. Sunday, January 18, brings a noticeable dip. We're looking at a high of 31°F and a low of 19°F. It'll be cloudy, and there's a 20% chance of some light snow during the day. It isn't a blizzard, but it's enough to make the roads slick for that Monday morning commute.
Speaking of Monday, MLK Day stays fairly stable at 40°F, but the clouds are sticking around. If you’re planning on hitting Giant Springs State Park, Monday is probably your best bet before the mercury decides to take a nosedive.
Mid-Week Fluctuations
Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20-21) are keeping us in that "just cold enough to be annoying" range.
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- Tuesday: High of 36°F, Low of 23°F (20% chance of snow)
- Wednesday: High of 31°F, Low of 22°F
It’s a lot of grey. A lot of "mostly cloudy." Not exactly the picturesque big sky we’re used to, but standard for mid-January.
The Big Chill: When the Bottom Falls Out
Here is where the 10-day forecast for great falls montana gets serious. If you haven't checked your antifreeze or made sure your heater is in tip-top shape, do it before Thursday.
Thursday, January 22, starts the slide with snow showers and a high of 34°F, but the overnight low drops to 14°F. That is just the appetizer. Friday is when the Arctic air really punches us in the mouth. We're talking about a daytime high of only 13°F. And Friday night? Brace yourself for -7°F.
The Weekend Deep Freeze (January 24-25)
By next Saturday, January 24, we aren't even reaching zero. The forecast is calling for a high of -7°F and a bone-chilling low of -14°F.
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Wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your love for frostbite). Sunday, January 25, is showing a high of -4°F and a low of -11°F. Humidity is expected to hit 100% on Sunday, which means that cold is going to feel like it's biting right through your heavy parka. This isn't just "jacket weather"; this is "stay inside and drink your weight in coffee" weather.
Why Great Falls Weather Is So Bi-Polar
Most people don't realize that Great Falls is a prime battleground for air masses. We get the "Clipper" systems coming down from the Canadian Prairies, which bring that sharp, dry cold. But we also get the "Chinook" winds—those warm, down-slope winds from the Rockies—that can raise the temperature 30 degrees in an hour.
This 10-day window is a perfect example of the Clipper winning the fight. By next weekend, a high-amplitude ridge off the west coast is going to funnel that Canadian air straight down I-15.
Real-World Prep for -14°F
When the 10-day forecast for great falls montana shows negatives, "common sense" isn't always enough.
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- The Garage Rule: If you have one, use it. If not, make sure your battery is newer than three years old. These temps kill older lead-acid batteries fast.
- Pipe Safety: In Great Falls, we have plenty of older homes near the downtown area. If you're in one, open those cabinet doors under the sink Friday night. Let the warm air get to the pipes.
- Pet Care: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for five minutes, it's too cold for your dog. Paw pads can burn/freeze on the snow just as easily as they do on hot asphalt.
Looking Toward the Light at the End of the Tunnel
The good news? This Arctic blast looks relatively short-lived. By Monday, January 26, the high is projected to bounce back to 24°F. While that’s still cold, compared to -7°F, it’s practically a tropical vacation.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with the 10-day forecast for great falls montana is ignoring the "feels like" factor. Even when the thermometer says 31°F, a 10 mph wind makes it feel like 19°F. Always check the wind chill before you head out to Gibson Park or the mall.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your vehicle: Ensure your tire pressure is correct tonight; cold air makes the "low tire" light pop on like clockwork.
- Stock the pantry: Grab your groceries by Wednesday. You really won't want to be out in the -14°F wind on Saturday morning just for a gallon of milk.
- Layer up: If you're working outdoors, remember that moisture is the enemy. Use synthetic or wool base layers—stay away from cotton, or you'll be shivering the second you sweat.
Stay warm, Great Falls. It's going to be a wild ride into next week.