MISSOULA — Over all, we are looking at a pretty nice first day of Fall. A few showers can't be ruled out this morning. Other than that expect partly sunny to partly cloudy skies, breezy winds and high temperatures in the 60's by the afternoon.
A few very light showers will linger in northwest Montana Tuesday with west-central and southwest Montana remaining dry. Expect breezy winds again Tuesday afternoon and evening with gusts around 25-35 mph.
The last pleasant day of the week will be Wednesday. High temperatures will remain in the 60's with partly sunny to mostly sunny skies.
A major change to our weather pattern starts Thursday. Showers look to start out as rain for all elevations during the day Thursday, as temperatures drop into the 50's.
Snow levels will begin to drop Thursday night into Friday bringing snow down to mountain pass level. The valleys will remain all rain with temperatures in the 40's and 50's Friday.
By the weekend, a cold air mass will settle over the northern Rockies. There is a very real chance for valley locations to see snow mix in with rain Saturday and Sunday mornings. Now, with the ground being very warm, accumulation will be minimal to none. However, If you have plans to travel over any mountain passes this weekend, be prepared for snow covered and slippery roads at times.
The main impacts from this cold air will be the first killing frost/freeze of the season. Morning low temperatures in the 20's and 30's can be expected Saturday and Sunday with highs only warming up into the 40's by the afternoon.
A more detailed forecast for pass conditions will be available by mid-week. Stay tuned!
