MISSOULA — Happy Saturday!
Expect the sky over western Montana to clear overnight allowing temperatures to drop into the middle 20s to lower 30s. As we look ahead to Sunday and the upcoming work week, the first half of the forecast looks to be very active while the second half will be calmer and warmer.
Clouds will increase early in the day for northwest Montana on Sunday, while Missoula and areas south won't see clouds increase until later in the afternoon hours. Afternoon highs will be comfortable with those getting the majority of the sunshine reaching the middle 50s, while those with the clouds and afternoon showers, which will be most of northwest Montana will see highs reach the upper 40s to lower 50s.
A strong cold front will approach the region on Monday, moving into northwest Montana by the evening hours. Ahead of the front, winds will increase across the region. For the valleys, we can expect sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts to 40 miles per hour during the afternoon hours. Winds will be even stronger in the mountains. rain and snow shower chances will increase ahead of and along the frontal boundary, as well. In fact, Monday and Tuesday will be very showery and increasingly cool during that period. The front will pass through the entire region by Tuesday morning, leaving snow showers in it's wake. Both the mountains and valleys will see snow. The higher elevation passes could see a few inches while the valleys will experience only light accumulations. Temperatures will be cool, with highs only reaching the lower to middle 40s.
Wednesday will bring more clouds than sun with a few remaining showers. Highs will be well below normal with most only reaching the upper 30s to lower 40s.
From Thursday through Saturday, we can expect warming highs with a partly cloudy sky. Thursday's highs will range from the middle 40s to lower 50s. Expect highs in the lower to middle 50s on Friday, and middle 50s to 60 on Saturday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
