From One of the Warmest Days to One of the Stormiest Days

Wednesday was one of the warmest days so far this year as a few towns including Helena and Great Falls hit 80 degrees. This is the first time since September that these towns have been this warm. Wednesday was the "warm before the storm" and that storm arrives tonight. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms will cross the Continental Divide through the overnight but the real storms will hold off until Thursday afternoon. Thursday will have a mix of clouds and sun through the morning into the early afternoon, but by mid-afternoon there will be scattered thunderstorms spreading through Montana. Some areas will get hit by multiple rounds of thunderstorms, and a few isolated thunderstorms could reach severe status with larger hail and powerful wind. This may be the first severe weather outbreak of the year. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s before falling into the 40s and 50s wherever rain develops. Some thunderstorms will continue into Thursday night but most of the state will be dry on Friday. The first day of May will have sunshine and a few isolated mountain rain/snow showers. Highs will be cooler in the 50s and low 60s. The weekend starts out nice but will not end that way. Saturday will be mostly sunny with highs in the 60s to around 70. Sunday will have increasing clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Cold enough air on Sunday night could allow for a mix of rain and snow in the lower elevations, but accumulation should be limited to the mountains. Monday will be a cool, blustery day. Warmer, drier and warmer weather will move in for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tune in to the news on Thursday at 5,6 and 10 as thunderstorms move through the state.
Curtis Grevenitz