Rare June Winter Storm Warning Hits Three States Ahead of July 4th

A rare June Winter Storm Warning has been issued for parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, with up to 16 inches of wet snow and 30 mph winds expected just days before the Fourth of July holiday. The National Weather Service advisory threatens travel plans for thousands of visitors heading to Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton National Parks at the peak of summer tourist season.

What the National Weather Service is Warning

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its Winter Storm Warning this weekend, alerting residents and travelers to heavy wet snow that could reach up to 16 inches in some locations. Most areas in the warning zone can expect 4 to 8 inches of accumulation.

Plan for winter-like conditions in the backcountry and higher elevations, the NWS warned in its advisory. Cold temperatures, wind, and wet snow will elevate the risk of hypothermia. Heavy wet snow may down trees, blocking access to backcountry roadways.

In addition to the heavy snow, the advisory warns of strong winds reaching 30 miles per hour in some areas, creating hazardous conditions for anyone caught unprepared.

How Rare is a June Winter Storm Warning?

A snowstorm of this magnitude in late June is highly unusual, even for mountainous regions accustomed to harsh weather. According to the Fox Forecast Center, Idaho has only had two Winter Storm Warnings in June since 2020.

Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet reports this is only the seventh June since 2005 to have a Winter Storm Watch issued in Montana, putting the rarity of this event into perspective for Iowans tracking weather patterns across the country.

The timing is especially surprising given that valley temperatures in Montana and Idaho sat comfortably in the 80s and 90s just days ago. An unseasonably cold, slow-moving storm system has now pushed temperatures down by 20 to 30 degrees across the region.

Why This Storm Hits at the Worst Possible Time

The winter weather is arriving during the busiest travel week of the summer, right before the Fourth of July, when many Americans, including Iowans, have time off work and head west to visit national parks.

Yellowstone National Park

A Winter Weather Advisory includes U.S. 20 over Targhee Pass, the main approach to the busy West Yellowstone entrance. Travelers will likely face accumulating snow, compounding what is already heavy tourist traffic during peak summer months.

Glacier National Park

The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road through Montana's Glacier National Park just opened for the full summer season last week after being buried by snow most of the year. Now the road is expected to be hit with heavy winter weather just days after opening.

Grand Teton National Park

While not taking a direct hit like the other two parks, the snowstorm is expected to impact mountain roads feeding into Grand Teton, causing potential travel delays for visitors making the trip.

NWS Urges Caution for Travelers and Campers

With a slow-moving storm approaching during a time when tourists typically flock to the region, the NWS has urged caution and preparation.

Persons should consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations, the NWS advisory reads. 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.

For campers still planning to visit the region regardless of the weather, the NWS offered a blunt warning about the dangers of even moderate snow accumulation.

Campers should be aware that it only takes a few inches of snow to damage tents and other recreational items, the NWS warned.

What Iowa Travelers Should Know Before Heading West

Iowans planning Fourth of July trips to Yellowstone, Glacier, or Grand Teton should monitor weather conditions closely before departing. The storm system is slow-moving, meaning conditions could remain hazardous through mid-week.

Consider delaying travel to the affected backcountry and higher elevation areas until the storm passes. If you decide to make the trip, pack winter gear alongside your summer supplies and ensure your vehicle is equipped for sudden winter conditions.

Is it normal to get snow in June in the Rocky Mountains?

Light snow at the highest elevations can occur in June, but Winter Storm Warnings with 4 to 16 inches of accumulation are extremely rare. Idaho has only issued two June Winter Storm Warnings since 2020, and Montana has seen only seven June Winter Storm Watches since 2005.

Are the national parks still open during the storm?

The national parks remain open, but certain roads and backcountry areas may be temporarily closed due to snow accumulation, downed trees, and hazardous driving conditions. Travelers should check park service websites for real-time road status updates before visiting.