Snowmelt has accelerated off the Continental Divide, and areas east and west of the Divide are now under a warning situation. An AREAL FLOOD WARNING is now in effect for the Helena area specifically for Tenmile, Sevenmile and Prickly Pear Creek. A FLOOD WARNING is also in effect for the Blackfoot, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. Rain and thunderstorms over the last 24 hours have not helped the flood situation. Sunday’s highs were also well up into the 70s which accelerated the snowmelt. There was a spike in the water levels Sunday afternoon before receding slightly on Monday. More rain and inevitably warmer temperatures will mean flooding will continue to be a problem. Tuesday will be a nice day with warmer temperatures back up in the 70s melting more snow. There will be a few isolated storms across north-central Montana, but most of the state will be dry. Wednesday, another storm system will move in with thunderstorms moving through western Montana during the day. Eastern Montana will be dry and warm. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will extend across Big Sky Country on Thursday. Wet weather will continue Friday as a steady rain falls through most of the state. Precipitation totals by Saturday will likely be between 0.20-1.00″ for many of the lower elevations. This rain will also help melt the snow releasing more water and more flooding. Snow will return to the mountains on Friday, generally above 6500′. This storm will slowly move out on Saturday, which could start out with a few clouds and some showers over southern Montana. High pressure will move in for improving conditions Saturday afternoon, and a big warmup is on the way for Sunday and Monday with highs in the 70s and 80s. So besides the flooding, the weather is not too unusual for May.
Have a good day and be safe.
Curtis Grevenitz
