007
FXUS65 KMSO 030955
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
Issued by National Weather Service Spokane WA
255 AM MST Tue Nov 3 2026

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

-  Mild and quiet weather expected through Wednesday, though
   morning low clouds or valley fog is possible.

-  Two weak systems bring showers Thursday and Friday with light
   dusting of snow above 5,000 feet, and westerly breezes.

-  Mild and dry conditions return for the weekend, with morning
   fog remaining possible.

High pressure building over the region will lead to stagnant
conditions and trapped surface moisture, creating a favorable
setup for locally dense valley fog Tuesday morning, and again on
Wednesday morning. Motorists should exercise caution, as
visibility will vary significantly over short distances on local
roadways. Fog will generally dissipate by each afternoon, allowing
daytime temperatures to warm near or slightly above seasonal
averages, peaking in the 40s to low 50s.

A pair of weak weather systems will pass through the region on
Thursday and Friday, bringing a return to active weather but
minimal impacts. Light showers will primarily be focused across
northwest Montana, though overall precipitation amounts will
remain limited. Snow levels will hover near 5,000 feet. In
addition to the showers, expect an uptick in afternoon breezes,
particularly on Friday.

High pressure returns this weekend, bringing a stretch of mostly
dry conditions, mild afternoons, and localized morning valley fog.
By Sunday and Monday, remnant moisture from an atmospheric river
impacting the Pacific Northwest coast will spill inland, bringing
renewed chances for light showers to northwest Montana. Looking
further ahead to Nov 11-14 suggests a broader pattern shift.
Atmospheric rivers initially aimed at the Pacific Northwest coast
are forecast to sag southward and push inland. This transition
would increase the likelihood of more widespread precipitation
across our region, including the potential for accumulating
mountain snowfall. Confidence in this pattern setup is low to
moderate, but it is certainly something we will keep an eye on.


&&

.AVIATION... Mostly VFR weather conditions will prevail today
with light terrain-driven winds at the surface and some lower
broken clouds hugging terrain creating localized obscurations
especially near the Continental Divide. High clouds will result in
less fog and low stratus this morning, but any localized fog or
low stratus is anticipated to lift or burn off by mid- day. Areas
of wildfire smoke from prescribed burning may enhance the
obscurations due to smoke and fog in the overnight and early
morning hours.

&&

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

&&

$$