textproduct: Missoula

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGES:

- Showers continue again today.

- Warming and drying this weekend into next week.

- Widespread precipitation and cooler temperatures by mid week.

Satellite and radar is showing the shower activity increasing across the Northern Rockies this afternoon under northwesterly flow aloft. The majority of the showers are producing snow, but impacts to roadways are fairly minimal. The biggest impact from the snow showers is the reduction in visibility.

A ridge of high pressure is still on track to build over the region this weekend into next week. Temperatures will be steadily climbing each day with the warmest day being on Tuesday. The majority of the valleys will be in the 70s and 80s on Tuesday which is 20 degrees above seasonal averages.

A cold front is expected to push across the region on Wednesday causing widespread precipitation and gusty winds. The path of the low pressure system for Thursday and Friday is still uncertain at this time, but anticipated cooler temperatures and at least shower activity.

AVIATION

Numerous light showers will continue to move through the Northern Rockies this afternoon and evening. These showers will be capable of producing IFR conditions for a short period of time. All terminals will also be impacted by gusty westerly winds this afternoon. Both the winds and showers will be diminish this evening, especially after sunset. A ridge will build over the area tonight through the weekend causing mainly fair flying conditions. The biggest concern will be the development of patchy valley fog.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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