MISSOULA — The main weather impact will continue to be smoke and haze over the northern Rockies through Thursday. Expect highs in the 70s and 80s on both days.
By Friday a low pressure system and cold front will begin to move on shore from the Pacific Ocean. As it does, smoke and haze should start to clear in front of it, especially by Friday afternoon. Expect temperatures in the upper 70s to middle 80s Friday.
The low pressure system and cold front will bring cooler air and widespread rain showers to western Montana Friday night into Saturday. Widespread rain amounts between 1/4 and 1/2 inches looks likely across western Montana Saturday. Expect highs to top out in the 60s.
A few showers will linger into Sunday morning with skies clearing by Sunday afternoon. Highs will remain below average Sunday topping out mostly in the middle to upper 60s.
By the start of next week models are showing a ridge of high pressure rebuilding over the western US. This pattern may be favorable to reintroduce smoke from wildfires in California and Oregon.
