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:
- Unsettled, cool, and showery conditions persist through the rest of the week and into the weekend.
- Winter Weather Advisory for the Glacier Region continues through 3pm Thursday, primarily for backcountry travelers and minor travel impacts at Marias Pass.
- Frost and Freeze potential is being monitored for Sunday through Tuesday mornings following a recent warm stretch.
The Northern Rockies remain under cool zonal flow as a trough departs to the east. This pattern will maintain breezy west-to- northwest winds across the region through at least Thursday afternoon, with gusts generally reaching up to 30 mph. Precipitation will be rather showery and largely terrain-focused.
The Winter Weather Advisory for the Glacier Park region remains in effect through Thursday afternoon. While snow levels near 5,000 feet may cause minor accumulation and slushy travel over Marias Pass, the primary concern is the raw, blustery environment. Cold temperatures and wind chills pose a significant hypothermia risk for backcountry recreationists.
A reinforcing trough is forecast to drop southward from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia Saturday into Sunday. This system will keep temperatures well below seasonal norms and lower snow levels to approximately 4,000 feet by Saturday afternoon. Pass travel and higher elevations may see minor snow impacts during this window.
As the trough exits to the south and east, winds will transition to a more northerly direction Sunday into Monday. With the region coming off a period of unseasonably warm weather, the threat of impacts due to frost and freezing temperatures Sunday through Tuesday mornings is high. Sensitive vegetation and early-season plantings will be at risk across much of the region.
AVIATION
VFR weather conditions will generally prevail, though periodic mountain obscurations and MVFR ceilings are expected within the vicinity of shower activity. A gusty west-northwest gradient remains the primary concern with daytime gusts of 20-25 knots at most terminals.
MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until 3 PM MDT this afternoon for West Glacier Region.
ID...None.
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