MISSOULA — A few scattered snow showers can't be ruled out Tuesday morning. Most of those are falling in the Seeley/Swan Region along with the Glacier Region. Skies will be clearing throughout the day Tuesday with a mix of sun and clouds along with breezy winds by the afternoon. Winds could gust around 20-35 mph Tuesday.
A system will bring widespread valley rain/snow along with mountain snow Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Mountains are expected to pick up several inches with this system. The valleys are not expected to see much as far as snow accumulation goes, however, some snow bands could develop which as we know leads to brief periods of heavy snow.
The bigger story for Wednesday will be the winds. Model indications are showing the potential for a windy day across western Montana as gusts could reach 40-50 mph in the valleys and even stronger in the mountains.
High pressure will build in Thursday and last through Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, the high pressure will start to break down allowing showers to to return to northwest Montana. High temperatures will top out in the upper 40's to mid 50's Thursday. Friday will be the warmest day of the week as temperatures warm into the 50's with even a few low 60's possible for the valleys in southwest Montana.
These warmer temperatures won't stick around long as another system brings rain and snow back to the forecast for the weekend. Temperatures will fall back into the middle and upper 40's Saturday and upper 30's to low 40's Sunday.
