Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT
538 FXUS65 KMSO 130814 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 214 AM MDT Mon May 13 2024 .DISCUSSION...The ridge of high pressure that has brought us above normal temperatures and dry conditions, will begin to flatten through the day today. Most areas across the Northern Rockies will experience an increase in west to northwest winds, that could gusts as high as 30 mph. Area lakes, in particular Flathead Lake, can expect choppy conditions. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible as well, particularly along and north of the I-90 corridor. Another shortwave of energy will slide south out of British Columbia Tuesday, that is expected to bring better chances for widespread measurable rainfall, mostly across northwest Montana and along the Continental Divide. Breezy west to northwest winds will continue, though the higher gusts of 30 mph, will be more isolated in nature. Wednesday through the rest of the week, the Northern Rockies will be caught between a building ridge of high pressure off the coast of the North Pacific and a trough in the central US. This will translate to a resurgence of gusty westerly winds, particularly Thursday, and slightly above normal temperatures. Scattered showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms each afternoon, will be possible as well. The majority (70%) of forecast ensemble members begin to show a broad trough of low pressure settling in over the Northern Rockies this coming weekend. This would bring more seasonable temperatures, and the potential for measurable rainfall to many locations. Stay tuned. && .AVIATION...High pressure will begin to flatten through the day today, bringing an increase in west to northwest winds to most, if not all aviation sites this afternoon, after 13/1900Z. Gusts around 25-30kts will be possible through 14/0200Z this evening. Scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected in and around KGPI and all along the Continental Divide in western Montana during this time as well. && .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT...None. ID...None. && $$