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000
FXUS65 KMSO 210913
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
313 AM MDT Mon Sep 21 2020

.DISCUSSION...Today should be a very pleasant day across the
Northern Rockies. In fact, the next few days should be on the dry
and mild side, save for a weak disturbance expected late tonight
across the Panhandle of Idaho into northwest Montana. The
disturbance will be quick and somewhat weak, but will bring a
chance for light rain tonight into Tuesday morning. Beyond that,
Tuesday and Wednesday should prove to be pleasant fall days for
the region.

Wednesday will be a transitory day, as the ridge of high pressure
slides east and the general flow pattern turns southwesterly.
Winds will increase through the day, and may combine with low
humidity across southwest Montana to produce a round of
potentially elevated fire conditions. A cold front expected on
Thursday will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures, in addition
to widespread rain showers through the end of the week. High
temperatures Friday and Saturday may not rise out of the 50
degree range for valleys of western Montana, with areas of north
central Idaho struggling to rise above the 60 degree range. On the
flip side, low temperatures will reach or drop below freezing
Saturday morning for most valleys across the region. If you have
any vegetation you would like to save from the cold, be sure to
cover them Friday night.

One other thing to note will be the drop in snow levels across
northwest Montana and along the Continental Divide Thursday
through Saturday. Snow levels down to 6000 to 6500 feet will be
possible, bringing a chance for light snow down to these
elevations. This would make for raw, cold, wet conditions for
hunters and backcountry recreationists who happen to be at these
elevations.

&&

.AVIATION...Patchy fog will impact KGPI this morning with
fluctuating visibility as it moves in and out of the airfield
range through roughly 21/15Z this morning. A pleasant day is in
store for the Northern Rockies thereafter, with afternoon breezes
developing for most terminals by 21/21Z through 22/01Z. A
disturbance will cross the ID Panhandle into NW Montana after
22/06Z and bring a chance for rain showers through 22/12Z before
dissipating.

&&

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

$$