781
FXUS65 KMSO 021926
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
126 PM MDT Fri Oct 2 2026

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

-  Warming and drying trend through Sunday; cool/cold valley lows
with patchy frost.

-  Increased westerly winds on Monday.

A ridge of high pressure will be building over the Northern
Rockies this weekend causing a warming and drying trend. Then on
Monday into Tuesday a weak disturbance moves along the Canadian
border causing the ridge to flatten. The biggest impact from this
disturbance will be increased westerly winds on Monday afternoon.

A strong ridge of high pressure builds back over the western
United States Wednesday through Friday bringing another round of
unseasonably warm and dry conditions. The latest long term
guidance is showing around a 75% probability of a pattern change
next weekend. Details on the change is uncertain at this time, but
cooler, increased winds and potential for precipitation should be
expected for the Northern Rockies.

&&

.AVIATION...Most terminals should experience winds of 5-10kts with
the potential gust up to 20 kts this afternoon and evening. A
ridge of high pressure will be building over the region tonight
into Saturday. This ridge will cause increased stable conditions
which in turn could allow for the development of patchy valley fog
that might impact KGPI and KMSO. Beyond the wind this afternoon
and potential of fog Saturday morning, fair flying conditions are
expected for the next 24 hours.

&&

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

$$