Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT

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845 FXUS65 KMSO 201012 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 412 AM MDT Mon May 20 2024 .DISCUSSION...
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The Northern Rockies will be under weak northwesterly flow today through Tuesday. This flow pattern will keep temperatures cooler than average for this time of year. The atmosphere is expected to become unstable enough for the development of scattered to numerous showers this afternoon. The models are still indicating a significant low pressure system moving through the region Wednesday into Thursday. This low will bring widespread precipitation and even cooler air. Snow levels are still anticipated to drop to around 5,000-6,000 feet by Thursday morning. The latest progression of the low would bring significant snow to the higher terrain of north central Idaho and southwest Montana. Lost Trail Pass, William Creek Summit and Georgetown Lake region have a 40-60% chance of receiving over 2 inches of snow by Thursday morning and a 20-40% chance for more than 4 inches. This snow will make for difficult traveling during the overnight into the early morning hours on Thursday. A weak ridge builds over the region Friday causing a slight warming and drying trend. This ridge will be short lived as all model clusters are showing another low pressure system impacting the Northern Rockies on Saturday. After the passage of this system, models are trending towards a ridge of high pressure building over the region by the first part of next week.
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&& .AVIATION...
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A few weak showers continue to move across north central Idaho early this morning. While other portions of the region are having patchy fog and low stratus develop due to yesterday`s precipitation. The fog and stratus is expected to diminish during the morning hours. This afternoon scattered to numerous showers are expected producing period of reduced visibility due to precipitation along with gusty erratic winds.
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&& .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT...None. ID...None. && $$