890
FXUS65 KMSO 032005
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
205 PM MDT Fri May 3 2024

.DISCUSSION...Saturday,  High pressure will bring a pretty
spectacular spring weather with lots of sun and temperatures
hovering around 70 degrees. Southeasterly winds will strengthen in
the afternoon with gusts 15-20 mph.

Take it all in tomorrow because we will take a disappointing turn
back to wet weather, colder than normal temperatures AND snow
accumulations in the mountains.  A mid level low pressure system
will meander its way across and around the Northern Rockies Sunday
and bring widespread rains.

Snow levels will begin to lower Sunday evening and eventually
lower to around 4000-4500 feet by Monday night. The low pressure
system will persist over the region through Tuesday morning and
produce significant precip. Higher elevations, especially above
5500-6000 feet will receive accumulating snows. The exact track of
these mid level lows has always been difficult to pin point even
48 hours in advance, however we have high confidence that areas
with best snow potential will be across central Idaho, Lost Trail
pass into the higher valleys of southwest Montana (Georgetown
Lake). Any road impacts from snow will primarily occur at night
and the early morning hours and should be limited.



The rest of the week continues to look wet and cooler than normal
through Wednesday. Models are becoming more consistent showing a
ridge building across the west late next week into Mothers Day
weekend. This will equate to warm and dry days.




&&

.AVIATION...Some mid level cumulus clouds will diminish over the
region this evening as high pressure builds into the region.
Otherwise, VFR conditions will exist at all terminals through
04/2300z. A southeast wind will begin at KBTM, KMSO, KHRF and
KSMN with gusts to 20 mph after 04/1800z.




&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

$$