MONTANA – We continue with our Weather Alert today, due to more impactful weather moving in this week.
Today, a wintry mix of rain and snow, with a few pockets of light freezing rain can be expected. This could lead to some slick road conditions during your early morning commute, prompting Winter Weather Advisories from the northwest into the eastern plains.
Another period of strong winds in western Montana and areas along the foothills can also expected today, with high winds lingering into Thursday for Judith Gap down to Livingston. Highest winds today can be found in the Northern and Southern High Plains with up to 90 mph winds gusts possible.
Temperatures will remain above average today, with mild temperatures expected Thursday morning before an arctic cold front quickly drives south Thursday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to quickly plummet from Cut Bank, down to Billings, and over into the eastern plains. Overnight low Thursday night will fall more into the single digits both above and below zero, with daytime highs Friday only rising into the single digits to mid 20s.
This cold front will mix with our atmospheric river, producing heavy snow over central and eastern Montana Thursday night into Saturday morning, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for snow totals around 3 to 12 inches of snow.
Northwestern Montana will continue to see heavy rain through Friday, leading to potential flood risks. Rain accumulation up until this point has already reached 0.5 to 3.2 inches for several locations and and we’re not done yet.
