In case you haven’t noticed, the vast majority of Montana seems to be experiencing a mild winter. The weather is always wildly unpredictable in the Treasure State, but typically, we can count on early snow and a late spring… but that just doesn’t seem to be the case this season. While we’ve certainly seen our snowy days, for most of the state, there have been more sunny (but cold) moments than most.

It’s tough to believe that just a few short years ago, a huge Arctic blast from Montana to Boston ended the holiday season on a rather frigid and unsettling note.

On December 30, 2017, Montana made national news for a huge Arctic blast that was about to hit us.
Cat Wendt / Flickr
The blast would send freezing temps from the Treasure State all the way to the Dakotas, the Midwest, and even Boston and New York.
The next day, the bitter cold came, bringing temps of -20 degrees (and below) to the Treasure State.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
Forecasters warned of difficult travel conditions on New Year's Eve.

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Even in Montana, where cold winters are the norm, this was quite a shock.
Forrest Rowell / Flickr
Local news stations warned people not to go out unless necessary, and to bundle up heavily if they did need to venture out.
Montanans weren't the only ones being warned -- in New York City, the fire department added extra personnel to provide medical support to those gathering for the annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Roy Luck / Flickr
In Maine, the harsh weather prompted organizers of the Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach to reschedule the event for the first time in its 30 year history. Several New Year's Eve fireworks displays in several different states were promptly canceled.
Here in Montana, 2017's Arctic freeze brought an avalanche that closed a stretch of Highway 200 just east of the intersection with Montana Highway 141.
March-Billing-Rockefeller / Flickr
Although we have just finished an extremely difficult year, winter 2021 seems downright tame in comparison to that sudden icy blast.

What’s the coldest Montana winter you remember? Share your memories in the comments!

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