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Sunshine returns just in time for our trip back home

Roads start to thaw by the end of the weekend
Posted at 4:24 PM, Nov 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-29 18:24:37-05

MISSOULA — Our travel forecast has been touch and go these last few days.

Round 2 of snow is on the way out of Western Montana's forecast Saturday, but the rest of Central and Eastern Montana will still be seeing snow through Saturday night.

By Sunday, sunshine returns to the entire state.

The Bitterroot Valley will be the only area in Western Montana to warm up above freezing Sunday, but temperatures return above 32 degrees across all Western Montana by Monday.

Just because most of us stay below freezing on Sunday, doesn't mean roads will not start thaw out.

Sunshine will help warm dark surfaces like interstates and highways across the state, and melting of snow and ice will start occurring.

The best time to travel will be during the peak heating times when the roads have had enough time to absorb the sunshine which will be right around 3-4 pm.

We have to be cautious if traveling later on Sunday night.

Air temperatures will have dipped back well-below freezing, and roadways will soon follow.

Slush and melted snow on roads will refreeze, and areas of ice and black ice will reform through Monday morning.

Whether you are traveling Saturday or Sunday, we hope you have had a great Thanksgiving!

For up-to-date and on demand road conditions, please see the resources below:

WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES: