Old Man Winter Lulled To Sleep

This picture may look ominous but the bark is worse than the bite. Much of Montana is in the midst of a January Thaw which besides warmer than average temperatures, there has been little and light snows. There usually is a stretch in mid to late January when the weather gets quiet. Is this the calm before the storm? There are a few minor systems that will mainly bring snow to the mountains but there does not appear to be a major winter storm anytime soon. However just remember that it may only take a little snow or ice to create hazardous driving conditions. One of those minor systems will push through during the morning hours on Thursday. A little light snow will fall over the mountain passes and there will be a mix of spotty light snow, light rain and light freezing rain in the lower elevations mainly west of the Continental Divide. Areas just east of the Divide could see a trace of light precipitation. Highs will warm well above average again into the 30s and 40s. A moderate wind will blow across the Montana prairies. The mountains could see up to a few inches of accumulation above about 7000'. Friday will be similar with mostly cloudy skies, mild temperatures, snow showers mainly in the mountains, and a moderately strong wind over the plains. The last weekend of January will be unusually quiet and mild. Saturday will be in the 40s to around 50 with partly cloudy skies. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with increasing snow west of and near the Continental Divide late in the day. After turning slightly colder for the start of next week, January will end on a mild note with temperatures possibly pushing into the 50s to near 60 for the final day of the month. Wow. The first weekend of February or shortly there after may signal a return of snow and cold at least for a little while.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz