A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for much of northern and central Montana east of the Continental Divide through Sunday.
Welcome to the weekend, the final weekend of "fall". Yes autumn continues on the calendar through December 20th, but wintry weather will really settle in after this weekend so enjoy this weather. While temperatures will be mild in the 40s to around 50 for highs this weekend, there will be considerable wind at times making it uncomfortable to be outside and creating difficult driving conditions. There will be periods of cloudier skies and partial sunshine through the weekend. While Saturday will be dry, Sunday will have more shower and snow shower activity across the state. Snow accumulation should be limited to the mountains, and there won't be more than 1-3" in the higher terrain through Sunday. Monday will be mostly cloudy with with areas of snow in the western and central parts of the state. A light accumulation of an inch or so is possible in the lower elevations, with another 1-3" possible in the mountains. Highs will be colder in the 20s and 30s. Tuesday will have areas of light snow with even colder temperatures, highs will hold in the 20s. Wednesday is one of the biggest travel days of the year and travelers will likely face light snow if driving through Montana. Traveling by air? A big storm will affect airports across much of the West and Southwest, rain will fall over the Northeast, and much of the central U.S. will be storm free. Thanksgiving Day will likely be cold with some lingering light snow in parts of Montana. This pattern of cold and snow will continue into the weekend. Family members might leave after Thanksgiving, but winter will stick around.
Have a great weekend.
Curtis Grevenitz
