163
FXUS65 KMSO 060745
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
145 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024

.DISCUSSION...Precipitation will continue to move up from the
southeast throughout the morning. Snow is already accumulating on
Lost Trail Pass and snow levels are expected to lower further this
morning. If your morning commute takes you over Lost Trail,
Williams, Gilmore Summit, Homestake, or MacDonald Passes, please
add additional time for potentially slippery conditions.

Stratiform rain or snow will slowly end around noon for most. Flow
becomes westerly during the afternoon and very breezy conditions
develop, as well as afternoon convection.

Tuesday morning as our current low pressure system moves into
eastern MT, it will strengthen pushing wrap around moisture across
the Continental Divide. West to northwesterly winds strengthen
and gusts 30 to 35 mph will be common.

Expect stratiform rain and snow to redevelop Tuesday evening,
especially along the Divide. Snow levels are expected to lower to
around 4000 feet Wednesday morning. Expect hefty snow totals in
the higher terrain, above 5000 feet, in the Glacier Region,
Mission, Swan, and Flathead Mountains. These regions have a 40 to
50% chance of receiving greater than 1 foot of wet snow. Another
0.25" of precipitation will be possible by Wednesday evening for
all but Hells Canyon, ID and areas west of Flathead Valley, 60 to
70% probability.

High pressure is expected to develop Thursday onward, with a
classic Rex Block over the west coast. Our current Mothers Day
forecast has temperatures 70s to 80s across the region. Stay
tuned as a warming and drying pattern is becoming high probability
within the models.


&&

.AVIATION... Expect periods of low visibility and ceilings through
06/16z at area terminals as rain continues. Wind direction will
gradually turn westerly during the morning, with wind magnitude
increasing. Stratiform precipitation decreases late morning and
becomes showery during the afternoon.





&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT today for Eastern Lemhi
     County.

&&

$$