MISSOULA — Much of western Montana is waking up to light snow this morning. The snow began after midnight and will exit the region as the morning progresses.
Most areas, including valley floors have received at least a 1/2" of snow with some valley locations receiving up to 2", prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for all of western Montana through 11 a.m. Roads will be slick in the valleys and at pass level.
As we move into the late morning and afternoon hours, we’ll see a mostly to partly cloudy sky with highs reaching the upper 20s to middle 30s.
A Pacific weather system will enter the region early Saturday bringing an opportunity for snow area-wide, in particular northwest Montana -- specifically the higher elevations.
The odds of seeing snow, and certainly any measurable snow decrease greatly south of the Flathead Valley. Look for a mostly cloudy sky with cool highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Sunday will be dry with a partly to mostly cloudy sky. Weather models have kept the cooler air mass in the region a little longer than previous runs, so it looks as though highs will range from the middle 30s to lower 30s.
Monday will bring a mix of sun and clouds with early morning valley fog. Highs will be on the chilly side, once again with most towns hitting the upper 20s to middle 30s.
A shift in the weather pattern by Tuesday will bring an increase in temperatures with an increase in snow chances. At this time, it appears the best chance for snow will come in the higher elevations under a mostly cloudy sky.
