A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for the western mountains from Tuesday into Wednesday.
A HIGH WIND WATCH has been issued for the Rocky Mountain Front and the Livingston-Big Timber area.
The year 2019 is winding down but the wind is about to ramp up as a new storm approaches for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Monday will be a quiet one with mostly sunny skies and seasonable temperatures. A big storm out in the Pacific will move into Montana on Tuesday with an increase in clouds but the wind will be most noticeable. Strong southwest wind could gust higher than 65mph in a few of the windiest areas. Snow will increase west of the Continental Divide through the afternoon and evening, but little to no snow will fall east of the Divide until New Year's Day. A front will cross the state with wind and snow showers on Wednesday. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s. Travel will be difficult over the mountain passes, but the wind will have the greatest impact on travelers in the lower elevations. Thursday will be mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers but any accumulation will be light. Friday will have a mostly cloudy skies with a few areas of light snow. The first Saturday of the New Year will be a warm one as highs rise into the 50s for much of the state. A cold front will bring snow showers and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
