textproduct: Glasgow

KEY MESSAGES

- Gusty winds continue across NE Montana today. Gusts up to 50 mph which may cause reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

- Winter Weather Advisory for widespread light snow with the heaviest snow north of HWY 2. Accumulations up to 2" in northern Valley and northern Phillips counties through tonight.

- Additional chances for rain and snow Sunday with a warm up expected for the middle of next week.

DISCUSSION

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW:

Continued northwest flow into Saturday with wrap around moisture will likely produce impactful periods of snow showers, especially during the daytime hours near the Canadian border. Increasing northwest winds will allow for blowing snow along the Hi-Line. Northern Valley, northern Phillips, and into Daniels county will be most impacted with forecast snowfall amounts around 2-3" and high temperatures only in the 20s Friday making a less wet, blowable snow more likely.

Much cooler weather looks to stick around through next week, with lows to stay at or below freezing through the forecast cycle. A few shortwaves lend to continued chances for rain or snow showers at times.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS:

Increased PoPs for northern zones following Hi-Res guidance. Maintained the more banded structure but brought slightly higher PoPs south as well

Confidence is low for blizzard conditions, but reduced visibility due to blowing snow is expected. Low confidence in winds beyond Lake Wind Advisory criteria.

AVIATION

UPDATED: 0600Z

FLIGHT CONDITION: VFR - IFR (KGGW, KOLF) VFR (KSDY, KGDV)

DISCUSSION: Following a period of VFR and partial clearing through 12Z, mostly light but lingering snow showers will impact KGGW and KOLF. Brief periods of heavier snow bands and blowing snow from stronger winds during the afternoon will reduce visibility to less than 2 miles at times. KGGW and KOLF ceilings drop to MVFR after 0Z Saturday and lower further to likely IFR by 6Z, while mostly VFR and slight chances for precipitation over KGDV and KSDY.

WIND: NW through the cycle, 15 to 25 kts with gusts around 35 kts.

GGW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Lake Wind Advisory until 1 PM MDT Saturday for Central and Southeast Phillips-Central and Southern Valley-Garfield-McCone- Petroleum.

Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT Saturday for Central and Southeast Phillips-Central and Southern Valley-Daniels-Dawson- Eastern Roosevelt-Garfield-McCone-Northern Phillips-Northern Valley-Prairie-Richland-Sheridan-Southwest Phillips-Western Roosevelt.