A HIGH WIND WATCH has been issued for areas along the Rocky Mountain Front out through central Montana for Thursday into Friday.
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for northwest Montana from Thursday into Friday.
A new storm will move into the state for the end of the week with a wide variety of weather. Snow will fall, and it will be heavy and could exceed 18" but will be limited to the extreme northwest part of the state. Little to no precipitation will occure east of the Continental Divide. Instead, strong wind will blast the high plains with gusts up to 75mph. This downsloping wind will also warm areas up east of the Divide to well above average for the final days of fall and the first official day of winter on Saturday. Highs will climb into the 40s and 50s, with even a few low 60s possible around Billings on Saturday. Slightly cooler and less windy weather will move in for Sunday, and a few areas of light snow are possible near the Continental Divide. Next week heading into Christmas there is a slight chance for light snow on Monday and then on Christmas Day. It may not be until after Christmas towards New Years when a stormy and snowy pattern returns. So enjoy the tranquil weather while we have it.
Curtis Grevenitz
