textproduct: Missoula
This forecast discussion was created in the public domain by the National Weather Service. It can be found in its original form here.
DISCUSSION
KEY MESSAGES:
- Areas of fog or low clouds will remain through mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Light rain or snow is possible today (Thursday) and again on Sunday.
Satellite imagery clearly shows low clouds filling almost all valleys below 6,000 feet, while the mountains remain completely clear this morning. The persistent low clouds may linger through early this afternoon, limiting maximum warming due to strong inversions. For example, Missoula's forecast high Wednesday was 36F, while the terrain above 6,000 feet warmed into the mid 40s to low 50s.
This afternoon a weak weather system will move across the Northern Rockies, pushing a weak to moderate cold front through the region. This front will increase westerly winds and mix out the low-level valley inversions. A period of light valley rain and mountain snow is expected as this system moves through.
High pressure immediately rebuilds late Friday, and patchy valley fog or low clouds are possible by Saturday. Depending on how quickly valley inversions rebuild, Saturday afternoon could be quite warm for this time of year.
Another weak weather system will clip the Northern Rockies on Sunday. While light rain or snow is possible in far northwest Montana, the mountains will be breezy with wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph.
High pressure rebuilds again to start next week. As valley inversions return, afternoon highs will slowly cool, and valley fog and low clouds will return each morning.
AVIATION
Another round of valley fog and/or low clouds will be present this morning and early afternoon. Southwesterly wind gusts at and just above ridge tops will increase to 25-30 knots from late morning through early afternoon as a cold front moves through the Northern Rockies. In the valleys, this cold front is expected to clear out the persistent fog and stratus, improving low ceilings and visibility. Scattered light showers will also occur this afternoon as the front passes. A ridge of high pressure will return Friday into the early weekend.
MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
MT...None. ID...None.
IMPORTANT This is an independent project and has no affiliation with the National Weather Service or any other agency. Do not rely on this website for emergency or critical information: please visit weather.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
textproduct.us is built and maintained by Joshua Thayer.