Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge

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pper Cow Island Landing, above the mouth of Cow Creek, in the Missouri Breaks, Montana

Today’s Forecast:

🌤
90°F
Current Temperature
Station: LBCM8
Observed at: 11:32 am
Wind: 2 mph | Humidity: 17%
⚠️
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 25 at 4:31AM MDT until July 25 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Glasgow MT (Expires: July 25, 2026 11:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: The National Weather Service in Glasgow has cancelled the Red Flag Warning. The National Weather Service in Glasgow has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 4 PM to 10 PM MDT Saturday. * WIND...South southwest winds this afternoon and evening will range at 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Isolated thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, so lightning is the main concern for fire starts. Instructions: Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning.
⚠️
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 24 at 11:09PM MDT until July 26 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT (Expires: July 26, 2026 10:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description: * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. High temperatures between 100 and 107 degrees expected, with overnight temperatures only dropping to the mid to upper 60s. * WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heat will peak during the day on Saturday, with afternoon and evening high temperatures peaking between 100 and 107 degrees. Instructions: Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. If you must spend time outdoors, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Today:Patchy smoke before 3pm, then a slight chance of rain showers. Sunny. High near 106, with temperatures falling to around 103 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 1 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight:A chance of rain showers before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday:Sunny, with a high near 102. West wind around 7 mph.

Today’s Report:

Boating

  6 /100

Not Recommended for boating. High near 105°F. Risk of rain later today (41%). Breezy winds (12 mph). Extreme heat (high near 105°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (105°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Marginal weather factor
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Smoke: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 13/100

Camping

  5 /100

Not Recommended for camping. High near 105°F. Risk of rain later today (41%). Light wind (12 mph). Extreme heat (high near 105°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (105°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Smoke: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 6/100

🥾 Hiking

  5 /100

Not Recommended for hiking. High near 105°F. Risk of rain later today (41%). Light wind (12 mph). Extreme heat (high near 105°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (105°F).

  • Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Rain: Marginal weather factor
  • Wind: Favorable conditions
  • Heat: Unfavorable weather factor
  • Smoke: Marginal weather factor
  • Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
  • Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended 6/100

About Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge

Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge is a Montana destination for remote river travel, boat-in camping, hiking, wildlife country, and limited services.

Make the Most of a Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge Day

Use the forecast to match the day’s route, launch, road access, and turnaround time to wind, precipitation, temperature, smoke, water conditions, and elevation. Keep a shorter or lower-elevation backup ready.

Weather Tips for Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge

  • Check current access, alerts, fire restrictions, and local forecasts before setting out.
  • Cold water, waves, current, wind, and lightning should guide launch and crossing decisions more than sunshine alone.
  • Montana weather can shift quickly; carry layers, sun protection, water, and a reliable navigation plan.
  • Allow extra daylight for remote roads, seasonal traffic, wildlife, and changing trail or shoreline conditions.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

  • Upper Missouri River Breaks
  • Charles M. Russell Refuge
  • James Kipp Recreation Area
  • Fort Benton
  • Lewistown

Plan Around the Conditions

Choose the safest and most enjoyable version of a Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, smoke, temperature, road access, trail surfaces, water conditions, and daylight.

7-Day Forecast for Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge

🌤
90°F
Current Temperature
Station: LBCM8
Observed at: 11:32 am
Wind: 2 mph | Humidity: 17%
Sat 🌧
106° 72°
23%
Sun
102° 69°
0%
Mon
101° 68°
1%
Tue
102° 69°
3%
Wed
104° 69°
5%
Thu
103° 69°
9%
Fri
104° 69°
5%

7-Day High Temperature Trend

106° Sat 102° Sun 101° Mon 102° Tue 104° Wed 103° Thu 104° Fri

7-Day Low Temperature Trend

72° Sat 69° Sun 68° Mon 69° Tue 69° Wed 69° Thu 69° Fri

📊 7-Day Outdoor Outlook

Good Fair Poor 6 Sat 12 Sun 12 Mon 12 Tue 6 Wed 12 Thu 6 Fri
Forecast data from the National Weather Service  |  Last Updated: July 25, 2026 1:05 pm CDT

Weather by Season

Winter

Winter around Missouri Breaks & CMR Refuge can bring snow, ice, strong wind, short daylight, and abrupt cold. Check road, trail, campground, and facility access before leaving, and expect conditions to change sharply with elevation. Cold water and ice remain serious hazards even when the air feels mild.

Spring

Spring is variable, with freeze-thaw cycles, mud, lingering mountain snow, rising water, and occasional late storms. Lower routes often open well before high-country roads and trails. Cold water and ice remain serious hazards even when the air feels mild.

Summer

Summer generally offers the broadest access, but heat, afternoon thunderstorms, wildfire smoke, fire restrictions, gusty wind, and limited shade can alter plans. Start exposed outings early and carry more water than expected.

Fall

Fall brings cooler days, clearer periods, changing color, shorter daylight, and the possibility of early snow. Seasonal services can close before winter weather becomes continuous, so confirm local operations.

Key Climate Data Points

  • Annual average temperature: around 43–47°F, using the relevant local and elevation context.
  • Annual snowfall: commonly 25–45 inches, though wind redistribution and year-to-year swings are substantial.
  • Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
  • Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
  • Wettest season: late spring and early summer often bring the most precipitation, with local mountain variation.
  • Driest season: midsummer is often driest, although thunderstorms remain possible.
  • Best outdoor window: June through September for the broadest access, with shoulder seasons useful at lower elevations.