textproduct: Missoula

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGES:

- Frost possible in the mornings through mid week

- Slow warming trend with lingering showers, especially during the afternoon and evening

Freezing temperatures across much of the region this morning may damage sensitive vegetation and exposed outdoor plumbing. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories remain in effect through mid- morning. Although overnight temperatures will moderate this week, frost or freezing conditions remain possible each morning. Light snow showers will develop this morning across northwest Montana, bringing some light snow primarily to the terrain near the Continental Divide, but also briefly into the valleys, such as the Flathead valley.

A cool, northerly flow will persist through early next week, keeping temperatures below seasonal averages. While a gradual warming trend is expected, readings will likely not reach normal levels until Wednesday. This pattern will also support daily scattered showers, particularly across western Montana. These showers will be most widespread during the afternoon and early evening hours, diminishing after sunset.

Minor disturbances within this flow will focus more persistent precipitation along the Continental Divide near Glacier National Park. Travelers should prepare for the potential of isolated snow- covered roads during the overnight and early morning hours. This is particularly relevant for southwest Montana this evening, where high mountain passes, including Homestake and MacDonald Passes, may see snow accumulation and slick travel conditions.

A shift toward drier and significantly warmer weather is anticipated for the latter half of the week. High pressure building over the region will likely push temperatures approximately 10 degrees above normal. However, this period of warmth appears temporary, as long-range guidance suggests another weather disturbance may arrive by next weekend.

AVIATION

VFR conditions will be prominent today, though localized MVFR/IFR impacts are expected as scattered rain and snow showers develop. Activity will begin across northwest Montana this morning, specifically impacting KGPI with reduced ceilings and visibility through 26/1700Z. This activity will then spread across western Montana and the higher terrain of North Central Idaho this afternoon. Diurnal heating will maximize shower coverage and intensity during the late afternoon and evening. Terrain obscuration and icing will be primary concerns, particularly along the Continental Divide and over southwest Montana passes (Homestake/MacDonald), where snow showers may lead to slushy accumulations on runways. Surface winds will remain out of the northeast to east today, with the strongest gusts focused across northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MT...Freeze Warning until 8 AM MDT this morning for Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains...Flathead/Mission Valleys... Kootenai/Cabinet Region...Lower Clark Fork Region... Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

ID...Freeze Warning until 8 AM MDT /7 AM PDT/ this morning for Eastern Lemhi County...Northern Clearwater Mountains... Southern Clearwater Mountains.

Frost Advisory until 8 AM MDT /7 AM PDT/ this morning for Orofino/Grangeville Region...Western Lemhi County.