A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for most of Montana.
A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect for the Absaroka, Beartooth and Crazy Mountains.
An AVALANCHE WATCH has been issued for the Flathead, Whitefish, Swan and Glacier Park Mountains.
Here we blow. A deep, powerful low pressure and cold front will move toward Montana tonight and cross the state on Wednesday. Wind will be public enemy number 1 as gusty conditions will be forceful. Power outages are a possibility along with tree and structure damage, blowing debris, hazardous crosswinds for driving, and overall uncomfortable conditions to be outside in. The strongest gusts up to 90-100mph will occur along the Rocky Mountain Front. Elsewhere gusts could approach 70mph. The wind will be strongest through the middle of the day. Mountain snow and a few rain showers will push through in the morning hours. Behind the cold front, temperatures will drop into the 30s by afternoon. While the wicked wind slowly will ease up through the evening, it will remain strong through the night and for most of Thursday. Thursday will be a mostly sunny but windy day with cooler highs in the 30s and low 40s. Finally by Thursday evening the wind will subside for some. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a few snow showers mainly in the mountains. Accumulation will be light. Saturday will be mostly sunny with an afternoon breeze up to 30mph. Sunday will have snow showers move through the state but snow accumulation will be light and mainly over the higher terrain. Highs will be in the 30s and low 40s under mostly cloudy skies. Overall there will be a trend toward a colder and snowier end of January. At or around January 23rd, arctic air and sub-zero temperatures along with snow are likely to hit the state. Winter is coming.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
