A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for the Rocky Mountain Front and out the Hi-Line through tonight and all of Friday. Powerful winds with gusts up to 75mph are possible which could cause some power outages.
Montana is entering an active, stormy stretch. Howling wind developed through Thursday and this is just the beginning. Strong wind will continue overnight and throughout the state on Friday. The combination of wind and cooler temperatures will make it uncomfortable to be outside even though there will be sunshine. A few mountain snow showers will fly along the mountains near the Continental Divide. Highs will only be in the 40s and 50s, but 20s and 30s in the mountains. Part of this stormy pattern will be series of low pressures that bring periods of rainy and snowy weather to the state. One wave of low pressure will come through the western part of Montana on Saturday. Wet snow possibly mixed with rain will be spotty in the lower elevations, but the mountains will likely see a few inches of accumulation. Travel over the mountain passes will slick at times through Saturday into Sunday. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s. Central and eastern Montana will be dry with more sunshine. Some snow will move through western and central Montana Saturday night into Sunday morning. Sunday will have some light snow in the western part of the state and temperatures will remain cool in the 30s and 40s for highs. The snow and mixed rain/snow should be light through the weekend with accumulations of more than an inch really confined to the mountains. Monday will start out dreary with some light snow. Tuesday will be windy and briefly warmer with highs in the 50s, but another chance at snow returns on Wednesday with a strong cold front dropping temperatures and increasing wind.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
