Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT

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714 FXUS65 KMSO 101801 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 1201 PM MDT Fri May 10 2024 .DISCUSSION...
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Today, satellite imagery paints a picture of clear skies across the Pacific Northwest, courtesy of a dominating high- pressure system. This high-pressure setup is set to maintain its grip over the region until Sunday, pointing to continued mostly sunny conditions for the weekend ahead. However, there`s a twist in the forecast as model guidance hints at a disturbance, a shortwave, sliding eastward of the Divide from Alberta late Saturday. While this disturbance is expected to primarily trigger showers well to the east of the Divide, there`s a chance it could bring an uptick in cloud cover to the Glacier Region, with a few radar projections even suggesting isolated showers in the area. As temperatures rise over the weekend, so too will the afternoon winds, gradually gaining strength each day. By Monday, expect breezy conditions to peak, with the NBM v4.2 indicating a high likelihood (>90 percent) of wind gusts exceeding 25 mph across a broad swath of the region. The warming trend also spells increased snowmelt runoff, reflected in rising river levels forecast across central Idaho and western Montana. Projections indicate a shift from below-average to above-average flows by Tuesday. Cold water safety precautions are important this weekend, such as wearing a life vest and keeping a close eye on children. Flattening of the ridge points to high temperatures trending cooler on Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by the return of rain showers to the forecast. Beyond Tuesday, uncertainty looms large in the weather pattern, with ensemble members torn between the prospects of a cool and wet trough or a warm and dry ridge.
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&& .AVIATION...
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High pressure will bring fair weather to the Northern Rockies airspace today and through most of the weekend. Expect mostly clear skies with light and variable winds today and tonight.
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&& .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT...None. ID...None. && $$