textproduct: Missoula

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGES:

- Another round of showers and isolated thunderstorms along the Continental Divide during the afternoon.

- Warming and drying trend this week.

- Cooler and showery conditions expected this coming weekend.

The low pressure system over Alberta will continue to cause shower activity across northwest Montana, especially along the Continental Divide. Temperatures today will be slightly cooler with afternoon readings near seasonal averages.

A warming and drying trend is still expected for Tuesday through Thursday, but the ridge does not appear to be as strong as previous forecasts. A few very subtle disturbances will be passing through the ridge causing some cloud cover and keeping temperatures slightly cooler than previously expected. Temperatures will still be well above seasonal normals,

The cold front associated with this weekend's low pressure system is expected to push through the Northern Rockies on Friday. Then the low settles over the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies during the weekend causing widespread precipitation. Temperatures are still expected to be significantly cooler with readings being 10 to 20 degrees below normal.

AVIATION

The low pressure system over Alberta will continue to cause showers and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon across northwest Montana, especially along the Divide. KGPI has the best potential of being impacted by showers. Westerly winds are once again expected to develop at most terminal this afternoon. Both the winds and shower activity will diminish after sunset.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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