Montana Weather – Living the Dream. Here’s to living with Montana weather. The roller coaster ride that even the most seasoned thrill-seeker might find a bit much.
Here’s a quick guide to surviving the whims of Mother Nature in Big Sky Country:
The Four Seasons in One Day:
Expect to experience all four seasons in a single day. You might start with a crisp autumn morning, move into a summer afternoon, get a sprinkle of spring rain, and then end with a winter evening. Dress in layers, or better yet, carry a wardrobe with you.
Snow? In June?:
Yes, it happens. Don’t be surprised if you’re planning a barbecue and suddenly need to shovel your driveway. It’s Montana’s way of keeping you on your toes.
Wind – Your Invisible Companion:
The wind in Montana isn’t just a breeze; it’s more like a personal trainer that insists on a workout. Secure your hats, your outdoor furniture, and maybe even your thoughts, or they’ll be halfway to Wyoming before you can say “chinook.”
The Chinook Effect:
This warm, dry wind can melt snow overnight, turning winter into spring in hours. It’s like nature’s own version of a microwave, but for your entire environment.
Summer Days:
When summer hits, it’s glorious. Blue skies, sunshine, and the kind of warmth that makes you forget all about those winter months. But remember, sunscreen is your new best friend.
Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away:
If you’re not a fan of rain, Montana might test your patience. It’s not just rain; it’s an event. Bring an umbrella, or better yet, invest in a good raincoat. Or just embrace the wet; it’s good for the soul, they say.
The Stars at Night:
One of the perks? The night sky. With less light pollution, you get to see the stars in all their glory. It’s like having a planetarium show every clear night.
Preparation is Key:
Always keep an emergency kit in your car. Blankets, water, snacks, and maybe a good book. You might get stuck in a sudden snowstorm or just decide to enjoy the view for a while.
Community Spirit:
We Montanans are fairly robust, and we know how to handle our weather. You’ll find a lot of community support, from neighbors helping dig out cars to sharing tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing.
Embrace the Unpredictability:
Finally, learn to love the unpredictability. It’s part of the charm. Every day is an adventure, and if you’re not ready for it, Montana will make sure you are.
So, if you’re moving to or just visiting us here in Montana, pack your sense of humor, your adaptability, and maybe a weather app that updates every five minutes. You’ll be fine, and you might even start to enjoy the wild ride that is Montana weather.
Your Social Security Number is now more social than ever
In a surprising twist, your Social Security Number, previously thought of as sacred, has been leaked in one of the largest data breaches ever, alongside the hopes and dreams of over 3 billion people.
National Public Data, in a PR move reminiscent of ‘oops, we did it again,’ has confirmed hackers stole everything but the kitchen sink, though they’re still checking.
Experts advise everyone to freeze their credit, install 12 layers of 2-factor authentication, and maybe consider going off the grid because apparently, your personal information is just a commodity now.
On the bright side, if you were worried about identity theft, the line starts in cyberspace, where your SSN’s been hanging out with some new friends.
Please be sure to report a stolen Social Security number to the Federal Trade Commission if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
Social Security numbers, names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers were in the 2.9 billion records within a data breach. The security firm Pentester.com tool tells you if your data is involved.
Your SSN is a nine-digit identification number issued by the SSA to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers.
It serves multiple purposes, including tracking earnings for Social Security benefits, tax reporting, and identification for various financial and governmental activities.
To apply for an SSN:
1) Complete Form SS-5
2) Provide proof of identity, age, and work authorization.
3) Submit the application at a local SSA office.
Non-citizens with work authorization or specific non-wage income may also apply.
Those ineligible for an SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS.