US Northern Rockies & Plains Climate – June 2026 Update
Top States: Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming
This month in numbers
The US Northern Rockies & Plains region experienced a slightly cooler June, with a 1-month temperature anomaly of -0.20°C compared to the 1961–1990 average. Over the past three months, the region has been warmer than average, with a +0.36°C anomaly. The 12-month rolling anomaly shows a significant warming trend at +2.45°C. Globally, the region was among the cooler areas this month, with Montana ranking as the coolest overall.
Hottest & coolest US states
Within the US Northern Rockies & Plains, Nebraska US Nebraska and Wyoming US Wyoming were the warmest states in June, recording anomalies of +0.37°C and +0.33°C respectively. North Dakota US North Dakota also saw slightly above-average temperatures at +0.08°C. In contrast, Montana US Montana was notably cooler, registering a -1.12°C anomaly, making it the coolest US state and the coolest overall region globally for the month.
What's driving change?
A weak El Niño, with an anomaly of +0.98°C, is currently active and is forecast to continue as the dominant phase through the end of 2026, with a 100% probability for the coming months ENSO. This El Niño pattern typically brings warmer and drier conditions to the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada during winter, potentially leading to lower mountain snowpack and increased summer wildfire risk. While the Northern Rockies and Plains experienced some cooler temperatures in June, a significant heat dome is forecast to build across the central US by mid-July, bringing a high risk of exceptional heat extremes to the Upper Midwest and Northern Rockies and Plains regions. This heatwave is expected to push temperatures 15 to 25°F (8 to 14°C) above average in some areas, increasing the risk of wildfires due to already dry conditions and reduced snowpack. The persistent drought across the western half of the US, including parts of Wyoming, is also a contributing factor, with exacerbating heatwave conditions.
Looking ahead
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook indicates a higher likelihood of above-normal temperatures across the Northern Rockies and Plains in the coming weeks, with probabilities peaking at 70-90% over Montana.
Generated by Gemini from climate data and web sources
At a Glance
Temperature – Average
Climate Map – USA
Source: NOAA Climate at a Glance — US states & climate regions (tavg, pcp). Anomalies are vs the 1961–1990 baseline (temperature) or 1991–2020 (rainfall). See methodology.
Hottest & Coolest in US Northern Rockies & Plains this Month
1-month anomaly vs 1961–1990 across the 5 members we cover. Click a name to open its profile.
Warmest
- 1.🇺🇸Nebraska+0.37°C
- 2.🇺🇸Wyoming+0.33°C
- 3.🇺🇸North Dakota+0.08°C
- 4.🇺🇸South Dakota-0.03°C
- 5.🇺🇸Montana-1.12°C
Coolest
- 1.🇺🇸Montana-1.12°C
- 2.🇺🇸South Dakota-0.03°C
- 3.🇺🇸North Dakota+0.08°C
- 4.🇺🇸Wyoming+0.33°C
- 5.🇺🇸Nebraska+0.37°C
Member States
Year-on-Year Trends
The 4byo Climate Helix – US Northern Rockies & Plains
NOAA Climate at a Glance — regional tavg / pcp (monthly absolutes).
US Northern Rockies & Plains – Monthly Temperature – All Years
NOAA Climate at a Glance — regional tavg / pcp (monthly absolutes).
Records – US Northern Rockies & Plains
NOAA Climate at a Glance - regional tavg / pcp - Anomalies vs 1901-2000 mean
Shifting Seasons
Warm / cold seasonsHow spring and autumn have shifted in US Northern Rockies & Plains. Spring is defined as the date monthly temperatures first rise above the long-term annual mean (5.7°C, from 1950–1979); autumn is the date they fall back below it. Temperature swings 30.0°C peak-to-peak across the year - a classic four-seasons rhythm.
Baseline vs recent monthly temperature climatology. Biggest warming: Jan (+3.3°C).
NOAA Climate at a Glance — regional tavg. Baseline: first 30 yrs on record. Recent: last 10 yrs on record.
Rainfall & Rain Days – Totals
Climate Systems
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Emissions & Energy
Explore
Explore Climate Data
Data Sources
Data Sources for US Northern Rockies & Plains
Every figure on this page is sourced from official, openly published climate datasets. Anomalies are calculated against the 1961–1990 baseline (temperature) and 1991–2020 (rainfall, sunshine, frost) - see the Methodology & Sources page for the complete dataset list and update calendar.
FAQs
FAQs
How is the climate in US Northern Rockies & Plains changing?
US Northern Rockies & Plains is warming in line with the rest of the world. The page above shows the latest monthly temperature anomaly versus the 1961-1990 baseline, the long-term annual trend, and the region's rank in the historical record. The headline panel also shows the long-term trend rate per decade and the warmest and coolest years on file.
Where does the climate data for US Northern Rockies & Plains come from?
Climate data for US Northern Rockies & Plains comes from authoritative climate datasets including national meteorological services and peer-reviewed reanalyses, refreshed every month, when the upstream temperature and rainfall data are refreshed.
What is the climate baseline used on this page?
Anomalies on this page are calculated against the 1961-1990 climatological baseline, which is the standard reference period used by the Met Office, NOAA, IPCC and most national climate services. Some panels also show the source-native 1901-2000 (NOAA) or 1991-2020 (WMO) baselines for verification. See Methodology & Sources for the full reference.
Which areas does the US Northern Rockies & Plains climate data cover?
The US Northern Rockies & Plains climate profile covers Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and surrounding areas. NOAA Northern Rockies and Plains - MT, NE, ND, SD, WY
How often is the US Northern Rockies & Plains climate update refreshed?
The US Northern Rockies & Plains climate update is refreshed monthly, typically a few days after the previous month closes and the upstream provider (Met Office HadUK-Grid, NOAA Climate at a Glance, Copernicus ERA5 or the Global Carbon Project) publishes its update. See the Climate Rankings for cross-region comparisons.