MISSOULA — Another clear, dry and chilly day is expected Tuesday. Northwest Montana could see a little patchy fog Tuesday morning. Other than that expect a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the 20's to low 30's.
A warm front and atmospheric river is headed our way Tuesday night through Friday.
With cold air in place, snow will initially be seen across all elevations through Wednesday afternoon. From Salmon Idaho, north through Missoula and Seeley Lake snow amounts of 1"-to-3" will be likely in the the valleys.
Other valley locations across northwest Montana can expect lighter amounts of less than 2". Up to a foot snow will be possible in the mountains along the Montana/Idaho border during the time.
By Wednesday night, snow levels will begin to rise quickly shutting of snow in the low elevations.
The warmest and wettest air looks to move into the northern Rockies Thursday. Temperatures in the upper 30's to low 40's will keep precipitation as a rain/snow mix Thursday morning then turn to all rain by the afternoon.
The exception to this will be the higher elevation valleys such as Philipsburg, Georgetown Lake, Seeley Lake and Swan Lake. These locations could see 3"-to-6" of snow Thursday before turning to a rain/snow mix.
The mountains during this time will continue to pile up the snow with an additional 1-2 ft. possible.
Off and on scattered rain and snow showers along with mountain snow will continue Friday and Saturday. Highs will remain in the upper 30's to low 40's.
