338
FXUS65 KMSO 121940
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1240 PM MST Wed Nov 12 2025

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

-  Cold front Thursday night will bring gusty west winds and
   widespread precipitation

-  Active weather pattern through the weekend into next week

High pressure remains in place today, however, the weak wave that
went through the Northern Rockies this morning was quite warm.
Expect temperatures today and tomorrow to warm nicely, 10 to 15
degrees above normal. If you can get out there and enjoy, this
could be the last 60 degree days for many until late March.

A strong Pacific cold front is still in the forecast for Thursday
afternoon. Initially, southwesterly breezes increase, while the
Camas Prairie and portions of northwest MT could see valley gusts
25 to 35 mph, most locations will receive gusts 15 to 25 mph.
Higher terrain in northwest MT, especially along the Continental
Divide, have a 50% or greater probability of receiving gusts up to
45 mph through midnight.

Precipitation will mainly be rain as the forecast models have
trended higher with snow levels. That said, Marias Pass still has
a 25% chance of receiving up to 2 inches by Saturday morning. If
you have travel plans during this time, please check road
reports. The models have also trended up in precipitation totals,
mainly for northwest MT, especially in the mountains. The
Cabinets and Purcells, along with much of the Glacier National
Park Region and Bob Marshall Wilderness, have totals of 1 to 2
inches of liquid equivalent by Saturday morning.

Snow levels do eventually crash into the valleys by Tuesday
morning, unfortunately for winter lovers, the models are
attempting to cut off moisture during this time frame. Future
forecast evolutions will have more details, but a brief mix with
or complete changeover to snow is possible for western MT valleys.

&&

.AVIATION...A ridge of high pressure starts to rebuild over the
region by tonight, causing a drying period. Valley inversions
could once again develop, allowing for patchy fog and low stratus
to form Thursday morning. A strong Pacific cold front is in the
forecast for late Thursday. Expect to see south to southwesterly
gusts featured in most terminal area forecasts for the afternoon
to evening time period.

&&

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

$$