Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Split Montana Summer Weather

Montana's weather has definitely kept things interesting lately. After a winter and early spring that delivered everything from record highs to sudden cold snaps, many people are wondering what summer might bring across the state.

Summer 2026 Outlook: A Dry Forecast for All

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the early outlook for summer 2026 points to a familiar Montana theme: dry conditions statewide, with a split in temperatures depending on where you are.

Divergent Temperatures: East vs. West Montana

For eastern Montana, the forecast leans hot and dry, which could mean more consistent heat and an increased risk of drought conditions as the season goes on. Out west, including areas like Missoula and the surrounding valleys, the Almanac suggests a cooler-than-average but still dry summer. That doesn’t necessarily mean cold, just not as consistently hot as what eastern parts of the state may experience.

The Almanac, which has been making long-range forecasts for more than 200 years and incorporates data from groups like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, offers a general guide rather than a precise prediction. As always in Montana, conditions can shift quickly depending on short-term weather patterns.

Old Farmer's Almanac

So while the big headline is “dry,” the real question heading into summer will be how extreme the temperatures get, especially during peak heat months. Whether western Montana actually stays cooler than average is something we’ll be watching closely as the season unfolds.