A HIGH WIND WARNING has been issued for portions of north-central Montana.
A HIGH WIND WATCH has been issued for Liberty, Hill, and Blaine counties.
Today a ridge of high pressure builds into the region, keeping the area mostly dry. The sun will peek out at times, and the highs will again trend in the 30s and 40s. A fast-moving system will move in during the evening, and that will allow the ridge to flatten; this pressure change over a given distance will amplify the wind; with that being said; The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for north-central Montana, and a High Wind Watch for portions of northeast Montana. The system will also bring another round of snow to the mountains in western Montana. If traveling through the overnight hours in north-central Montana, prepare for strong winds that could cause areas of blowing dust and debris; if traveling west, prepare for areas of blowing snow in the mountains.
Tomorrow strong wind could result in difficult driving for high-profile vehicles. The highs will stay in the 40s and 50s. The wind will blow the strongest Saturday night into Sunday. Tree and power line damages are not out of the question.
Sunday will be the warmest and windiest day of the week. The highs will climb to the 40s and low to mid-50s. The wind is expected to gusts up to 75 mph at times, so if you have any loose objects on the patio or balcony, you may want to find a way to secure items. Another batch of moisture will move in, bringing a wintry mix to the mountains and possible rain showers to the lower elevations. Another ridge of high pressure will build to our west Sunday night through Monday morning.
Monday is the official first day of Winter. The Winter Solstice brings the day with the least amount of daylight. The first day of winter will kick off a wintry mix that will continue through the overnight hours into Tuesday. Tuesday, widespread snow will fall and accumulate in the mountains and lower elevations. As of now, the models suggest the lower elevations in north-central Montana could get 3" or more of snow.
Have a great weekend.
A.R.😊
