textproduct: Missoula

DISCUSSION

|KEY MESSAGES:

- Record warm temperatures continue through Saturday.

- Saturday night and Sunday a cold front brings a change to a wetter and cooler pattern.

The potent ridge causing the record warm temperatures across the region remains in place through Saturday. The National Blend of Models is forecasting near record high temperatures again on Friday and Saturday for Missoula with this pattern. Generally speaking, temperatures will be about 12 to 15 degrees above average through Saturday.

Sunday a cold front moving across the region brings the long awaited pattern change. It will cool things down to about 5 degrees above average for this time of year and usher in a much wetter pattern for next week with frequent showers. By Tuesday morning snow levels will be down to the valley floors for western Montana and much of central Idaho. But, afternoon temperatures in the valleys will warm up enough that most of the snow will melt during the day with afternoon highs near 40 expected most days.

AVIATION

A ridge remains over the region with valley fog being the main impact to aviation. Terminals KGPI and KMSO are the most at risk of impacts. Recent trends in lowering dew points and increasing humidity aloft are keeping western Montana valleys right on the cusp of fog formation, so if any fog does affect area terminals, it is expected to be brief.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MT...None. ID...None.