If you’ve ever stood on a street corner in Uptown Butte during the third week of January, you know that the "official" numbers only tell half the story. Honestly, the wind hitting your face as it whips off the Highlands feels a lot more personal than a notification on your phone.
Right now, the Sunday, January 18, 2026, forecast for Butte Montana is sitting at a current temperature of 34°F. That sounds manageable, right? Kinda like a standard winter day. But then you look at the "feels like" temp, which is 30°F, and you realize that east wind at 3 mph is doing just enough to remind you that you're in the Richest Hill on Earth, not a tropical resort.
Breaking Down Today's Numbers
The sky is mostly cloudy today. It's that classic Montana grey that makes the colorful headframes of the old mines stand out against the horizon.
We’re looking at a high of 35°F, which is actually a bit warmer than the historical average of 29°F for this time of year. Don’t get too comfortable, though. Tonight, the temperature is expected to plummet down to 11°F. That’s a 24-degree swing. You've basically got to plan for two different seasons in the span of twelve hours.
Humidity is hovering around 49% right now, but it's expected to climb to 63% as the day progresses. As for the white stuff? There’s a 10% chance of snow during the day, which bumps up to 20% tonight. It’s not a blizzard, but in Butte, even a "slight chance" can mean a dusting that turns the Granite Street hill into a luge run.
Why Butte Weather is Just Different
Most people check the forecast and think they're prepared. They see 35 degrees and grab a light jacket. That’s a mistake.
Because of the elevation—we're sitting at about 5,538 feet here—the UV index is 1, but the air is thin and the cold is "dry." It bites differently. Historically, January is the windiest month in Butte, averaging speeds of 13.7 mph. Today we're getting a bit of a break with that 3-6 mph east wind, but it’s the quiet before the usual winter gusts.
Packing and Prepping for the Swing
If you're out and about today, the "onion" method is your only friend. Layer like your life depends on it.
- Base Layer: Get some merino wool or synthetic wicking fabric. Cotton is the enemy because once you sweat from walking up those steep hills, you'll stay damp and freeze the second you stop.
- The Mid-Layer: A fleece or a puffy vest is basically the local uniform. It’s easy to shed when you step into a warm shop or cafe.
- The Outer Shell: Something windproof. Even a light breeze at 11°F feels like a slap.
Honestly, the real pros keep a pair of "emergency boots" in the trunk of the car. If that 20% chance of snow turns into an actual dusting tonight, you don't want to be caught in sneakers.
Looking Ahead at the Trends
While today is "mild" by Butte standards, the historical data suggests we're right on track for a standard January. We usually see about 9.1 hours of daylight this time of month. The sun rose at 8:06 AM and will tuck behind the mountains at 5:16 PM.
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The humidity often hits 100% in the early mornings, which can lead to that beautiful (but dangerous) hoarfrost on the power lines and windshields. If you’re parked outside tonight, expect a solid scraping job tomorrow morning when that 11°F low hits.
Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
Don't let the 35°F high fool you into leaving your heavy gear at home. By the time the sun drops at 5:16 PM, that 11°F low will start chasing you down.
Check your tire pressure today. Huge temperature swings like the one we're seeing—from 35°F down to 11°F—can trigger your "low tire" light faster than you can say "M&M Cigar Store." Also, keep an eye on that 20% snow chance for the overnight hours. It's just enough to make the morning commute on Harrison Avenue a little spicy.
If you're heading out for dinner Uptown, park in a spot that gets early morning sun if you can. It makes the frost-scraping a lot easier when the temperature is still in the teens tomorrow morning.