Happy first day of fall! I snapped this picture up on the Beartooth Highway over the weekend where snow is already covering the road. The iconic highway has been closed on the Wyoming side because of wintry conditions. The first day of autumn was pleasant and typical with highs in the 60s and 70s, wind and some sunshine. The next several days will be similar with partly cloudy skies, highs in the 60s, and the wind will be fairly strong on Tuesday. A couple of isolated showers are possible up along the Hi-Line through Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday will have continued relative mild and dry weather, one last day before changes really begin. Thursday a cold front will move through the state with showers, a few isolated thunderstorms and some high mountain snow. Highs will be in the 50s and the wind will make it not the nicest day. Friday is when the weather really begins to deteriorate. Rain will develop closer to the Continental Divide later in the day. Snow levels will lower to the plains along the Rocky Mountain Front by the afternoon and evening. Snow levels will continue to lower through Friday night and Saturday morning all the way down to the valleys and plains. Snow will fly with much colder temperatures and wind on Saturday through much of Montana. Travel will be difficult not just over mountain passes but in the lower elevations as a slushy snow should accumulate on road surfaces. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will only be in the 20s and 30s in the lower elevations. Snow should continue into Sunday morning before tapering off later in the day. Significant accumulation is likely. Lows will dip into the 10s and 20s, so the snow should stick around. Icy roads are likely all the way into Tuesday.
This storm is still several days away. Use the nice weather over the next several days to prepare for the upcoming harsh wintry conditions. And stay tuned to my weather forecast for the latest information.
Curtis Grevenitz
