Weather Summary
Current Conditions:
- Warm and dry weather persists today and Friday, with temperatures 10-20+ degrees above average.
- Gusty west to southwest winds anticipated Friday afternoon (gusts 25-40+ mph).
Fire Weather Concerns:
- Low humidity and warm temperatures will create near-critical fire weather conditions in parts of southwest Montana.
- Red Flag Warnings are in effect.
- Lake Wind Advisory for Flathead Lake due to rough conditions.
Upcoming Weather:
Saturday:
- A strong cold front will arrive.
- Expect a significant drop in temperatures, increasing winds, and spreading rain and snow.
- Gusty east to northeast winds are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Precipitation:
- Initially, rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains. Snow levels will drop quickly Saturday night, reaching valley floors.
- Heaviest precipitation expected along the Continental Divide and southwest Montana, with Winter Storm Watches in effect.
Snow Accumulations:
- Mountains:
- 5 to 12 inches along the Divide; 2 to 6 inches on passes (Marias, MacDonald, etc.).
- Valleys:
- 1 to 3 inches of wet, slushy snow possible, mainly across southwest Montana.
Temperatures:
- Sunday: Much colder with highs in the 30s and 40s, overnight lows in the 20s.
- Temperatures will slowly rebound in the early part of next week but remain below average.
Warnings & Advisories:
- Red Flag Warnings (Friday 12 PM – 9 PM): Gallatin and Lewis and Clark National Forests.
- Lake Wind Advisory (Friday 12 PM – 9 PM): Flathead Lake.
Summary of Storm Watches:
- Winter Storm Watches: Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon for multiple regions with significant snow anticipated and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
- Winter Weather Advisory: (6 PM Saturday – 6 PM Sunday) for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains and surrounding areas, with expected light snow accumulation.
Stay vigilant for changing conditions, especially if traveling in mountainous areas.
