MISSOULA — High pressure continues Thursday and Friday with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
Expect the winds to pick up again Friday as a cold front approaches the region. Gusts will be around 20 mph to 25 mph Friday.
As the front moves through, temperatures drop, winds pick up and rain showers develop on Saturday. Highs will be in the 60s with winds gusting around 30 mph to 40 mph. Scattered rain showers will develop during the morning and afternoon.
Sunday looks to be dry with highs in the 60s along with a mix of sun and clouds overhead.
A low pressure system will then bring widespread rain and even mountain snow to Western Montana Monday and Tuesday.
The heaviest snow looks to fall in the mountains along the divide Where a Winter Storm Watch has been issued. Passes such as Homestake, MacDonald, Rogers and Marias could see 2"-to-5" of snow. Elevations above 7,000 ft. could see 10"-to-20" of snow!
This primarily impacts anyone planning on recreating in the backcountry and includes Glacier National Park.
Now, there is still uncertainty on where the heaviest snow will set up, below is a look at two different model runs. This will get ironed out in the coming days as we get closer and models can get a better grip on the situation. Stay tuned!
Anyone who has plans to hike, camp or recreate in the backcountry and higher terrain should closely monitor the forecast through the weekend.
