MISSOULA — Gas prices are continuing to rise in Montana.

GasBuddy.com reports that average gasoline prices in Montana rose 6.1¢ per gallon in the last week and are averaging $3.14 per gallon as of Monday, March 10, 2025.

Gas prices are now 13.9¢ higher in Montana than a month ago but are 23.4¢ per gallon lower than a year ago.

The national average price of gasoline has dipped 0.6¢ per gallon over the last week to $3.03 per gallon, which is 8.9¢ lower than a month ago.

GasBuddy.com reports the cheapest gas in Montana was at $2.94 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.69 per gallon.

WEATHER DISCUSSION: It was another mild day temperature-wise in North Central Montana. High temperatures peaked in the 50’s and 60’s today across the region with increasing cloudy cover headed into the overnight hours. Expect low temperatures tonight in the 30’s and 40’s with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies.

Broad upper-level ridging has resulted in continued strong winds that will be enhanced tonight through tomorrow by a Pacific shortwave/cold front. The strong winds will spread further onto the plains and adjacent areas. The strongest wind gusts could top out at 75 mph around the Browning/Cutbank area tonight. Surface winds begin to diminish late Monday morning across western areas, with eastern areas seeing winds fall off later in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, moisture associated with the Pacific shortwave/cold front will result in a period of snow along the Rocky Mountain Front, (mainly above pass level) late tonight into Monday. Although a few inches of snow will be possible in these locations, daytime warming today and warmer temperatures tonight will result in melting of some of that snow accumulation, so NWS has not issued any Winter Weather Advisories at this time.

Stormtracker Weather

Because of the cold front, expect a cooler day on Monday with temperatures staying in the 40’s. Temperatures trend warmer again Tuesday and Wednesday across the region ahead of the next system set to arrive. A potent trough will then swoop in, pushing a mix of rain and snow at lower elevations and mountain snow late Wednesday night through Friday. Temperatures will then trend cooler into next weekend.

Stormtracker Weather

Stormtracker Weather

Stormtracker Weather

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BOISE, Idaho — The cardinal rule to beating Montana State this season? Don’t turn the ball over.

Easier said than done, obviously. Northern Colorado was the latest to fall victim to MSU’s pressure Sunday at the Big Sky Conference women’s basketball tournament at Idaho Central Arena.

The Bobcats, who rank No. 1 in Division I in steals per game and No. 5 in forced turnovers per game, scored 37 points off 26 UNC giveaways in a 92-60 quarterfinal victory.

Photos: Montana State women defeat Northern Colorado at Big Sky Conference tournament

With a quick start, top-seeded Montana State (28-3) advanced to the tournament semifinals where it will face either Weber State or Idaho State on Tuesday at noon.

“We’re so excited for our team,” said MSU freshman Taylee Chirrick, who again helped lead the defensive charge. “To get a fast start just makes us want to continue that and keep it rolling, because it makes it super fun.”

Bobcat postgame: Coach Tricia Binford, players discuss quarterfinal win over UNC

A 3-pointer by Natalie Picton at the 3:48 mark of the first quarter put the Bobcats ahead 19-0 and MSU was well on its way.

Northern Colorado scored its first points on a free throw by Aniah Hall at 3:11 of the first, and the Bears’ first field goal didn’t come until London Gamble converted a layup at the 2:02 mark.

MSU led 29-7 at the end of the first after Big Sky MVP Esmeralda Morales beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer, a hole far too great for the Bears to climb out of.

“We just didn’t value the basketball and it got out of control pretty quickly,” Northern Colorado coach Kristen Mattio said.

Still, the Bears crawled within 11 points at 36-25 on a 3 by Gamble midway through the second as the Cats got a little too sloppy with the ball. But Montana State stabilized and went into halftime with a 20-point advantage, 48-28.

MSU’s lead grew to as much as 37 points in the second half, and the Bobcats mitigated 24 turnovers of their own by proving again to be too fast and too efficient for an opponent.

The Cats put five players in double figures, led by Katelynn Martin’s 16 points. Picton and Taylor Janssen each had 14.

Chirrick added 12 points and seven steals. Morales finished with 10 points and seven assists. The Bobcats shot a sizzling 64% from the field.

Northern Colorado, which topped Portland State 53-50 in the first round on Saturday, exits the tournament with a 14-17 overall record. The Bears last won the Big Sky tourney in 2018.

The Bobcats are seeking their first tournament championship since 2022 and are chasing the fourth tourney crown in program history. MSU’s 28 wins are an extension of its single-season school record.

“I’m really proud of how we came out start to finish,” said Montana State coach Tricia Binford. “Our energy, our defense … this team does not (care) who we’re rotating.

“Everybody has been ready to give us a huge impact. We had five kids in double digits. Just really proud of this group. We came ready to go today.”