000
FXUS65 KMSO 121024
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
424 AM MDT Fri Apr 12 2024

.DISCUSSION...Scattered early morning showers brought a few
hundredths of rain from the Camas Prairie to Pierce in north-
central Idaho. Mild and pleasant conditions are on tap across the
region as temperatures warm into the 60s and 70s from today
through Sunday. Scattered showers and perhaps an isolated
thunderstorm is possible over northcentral Idaho and Lemhi County
this afternoon. Small hail and gusty winds will be possible with
the thunderstorms. Another round of showers are expected tonight
from north-central Idaho into western Montana. Showers and a few
isolated thunderstorms are possible in the southern Bitterroot
Mountains and southwest Montana Saturday. Shower coverage
increases on Sunday.

Westerly winds will increase Monday as a surface cold front
approaches the region from Canada. Recreationalists on area lakes
should be prepared for choppy conditions, especially across
Flathead Lake. Temperatures will be cooler with highs generally in
the upper 50s to lower 60s.

A significant change to colder continues to be depicted by
ensemble guidance Tuesday through Thursday of next week. Total
mountain snowfall from the NBM ranges from a couple of inches up
to a foot of snow along the Divide. Winter driving can be
anticipated at Marias Pass, MacDonald Pass and Homestake Pass.
Highs will be in the 40s in the valleys, 10 to 15 degrees below
average for mid-April.



&&

.AVIATION...Southwest flow regime will bode for scattered showers
at times today through the weekend. There could be enough
instability to support a few terrain-initiated weak thunderstorms.
High resolution models depict possible stronger thunderstorms over
north-central Idaho between 12/2300z and 13/0500z (Friday evening)
with small hail and gusty winds possible. Brief terrain
obscurations along the highest peaks and brief periods of
visibility reductions are expected under showers.

&&

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

$$