textproduct: Missoula

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGES:

- Cold temperatures through the weekend, with below zero wind chills along the divide

- Light snow along the Divide and southwest Montana Saturday into Sunday morning.

- Dry, stagnant pattern returns next week January 26-30.

Temperatures are quite cold this morning, ranging from the single digits above zero to negative single digits across western Montana...north-central Idaho temperatures are milder from the teens to 20s though Powell is in the single digits.

A weak shortwave will bring light snow along and west of the Divide later today through Sunday morning. Snow amounts will range from a trace up to 2 inches.

Dry conditions return Sunday afternoon and will last into next week as strong high pressure builds over the region. Valley temperature inversions will set up, creating stagnant conditions. A couple of disturbances could bring light mountain snow Thursday and Friday.

AVIATION

Light snow will be possible along the Continental Divide after 2200Z/1500MST this afternoon continuing through 1500Z/0800MST Sunday morning, mainly impacting BTM off and on with lower ceiling and visibility. A ridge of high pressure building over the region through early next week, means that the fog and stratus will eventually become reestablished over the region, but that will take time, probably at least a couple of days.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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