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000
FXUS65 KMSO 112146
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
246 PM MST Wed Dec 11 2013

.DISCUSSION...A general northwest flow aloft will continue over the
region through early next week. This pattern is favorable for light
snow or more organized snow bands at times in northwest and west central
Montana. Confidence is high for mountain snow tonight then periods of
snow across the valleys and mountains in west central and northwest
Montana Thursday night through early next week.

Expected impacts through early next week.

1. Tonight: 1-2 inches of snow over mountain passes in northwest
Montana. Very light accumulations (less than an inch) possible in
the valleys of northwest Montana. Road impacts are expected to be
minimal.

2. Thursday night through Saturday: Periods of accumulating snow in
the valleys of north central Idaho and northwest Montana. 2-4
inches (locally higher) possible during the period ending
Saturday. Higher accumulations of over 6 inches are expected in the
mountains and over mountain passes. Roads may become slick at
times.

3. Precipitation is expected to stay as all snow with one
exception. Thursday night and Friday morning the lower valleys of
central Idaho and northwest Montana could see a few pockets of
freezing rain, however confidence is low.

Temperatures are expected to gradually increase through the week,
with the potential for some valley locations to approach the 40
degree mark this weekend into early next week. Winds will also be
on the increase, especially this weekend.

A return to a much colder pattern is possible later next week,
toward the weekend before Christmas. While confidence is
increasing for another arctic entering Montana and the Northern
Plains there is a lot of uncertainty for any details on how it may
impact western Montana. Details such as the strength of northeast
winds, snow, or the amount of cold air possible with this system.

Stay tuned to the forecast for further updates on this potential
storm as it could impact holiday travel.

&&

.AVIATION...Overcast conditions will persist the next 24 hours
over KGPI and KMSO with light snow from time to time lowering
visibilities and ceilings. Little accumulations are anticipated.
KBTM and KSMN will remain clear. Some patchy valley fog may form
tonight into tomorrow morning, particularly in areas that are able
to clear out overnight.


&&

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

$$

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