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:
- Rain and snow showers continue today and early Friday.
- A ridge building over the region this weekend will set up warm temperatures to start next week.
- The next system with precipitation is expected around mid-next week.
The low pressure system is currently over the Northern Rockies today causing numerous snow showers across the region. The low is also producing bands of wrap around snow across northwest Montana. The majority of the region is only have minor impacts from the snow, but the Glacier Park area is continuing to deal with snow covered roadways. A winter weather advisory has been extended for the Glacier region through this evening.
The Northern Rockies will be under northwesterly flow on Friday which will keep some light showers lingering across western Montana. Then this weekend a strong ridge of high pressure will build over the region bringing a warming and drying trend. This ridge will last into the first part of next week with temperatures climbing into the 70s and 80s for most valley locations. These temperatures will be around 20 degrees above average for this time of year, but are not expected to reach daily records.
The long term models are in fair agreement on a trough of low pressure affecting the western United States by mid next week. Confidence is low on how the extent of the cooling and coverage of precipitation as this will be determined by the exact track of the low across the region.
AVIATION
A closed low will continue to impact the Northern Rockies this afternoon through the evening. KGPI will experience bands of wrap around snow through the afternoon causing mainly MVFR/IFR and at times LIFR conditions under heavier snow showers. The remainder of the Northern Rockies will be dealing with numerous snow showers. These snow showers will be capable of producing IFR conditions at KMSO, KBTM, KSMN and KHRF for short periods of time. Gusty northwesterly winds (20-30 kts) will persist throughout the afternoon into the evening. Both the winds and showers are expected to diminish after sunset.
MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM MDT this evening for West Glacier Region.
ID...None.
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