BOZEMAN – Isolated thunderstorms continue to build over SW Montana Friday afternoon. Most storms should be east of the divide with strong to severe thunderstorms building from Cut Bank to Lewistown to Billings through Friday evening.
Over the weekend the weather pattern will remain slightly unstable as a weak cold front passes through the state and could produce a few more isolated thunderstorms Saturday and again Sunday. Those of you with outdoor plans this weekend should monitor the weather closely and be prepared for sudden changes if thunderstorms develop near you and have an escape plan to seek shelter if storms develop.
PATTERN CHANGE WITH SNOW LATE NEXT WEEK:
Forecast models are beginning to show a weather pattern change impacting southern Canada and Montana starting Thursday of next week. A much colder airmass with a good chance for valley rain and snow above 6,000′ could impact Montana.
Both global forecast models above have a stronger Low-pressure system over southern Alberta extending down into Montana.
Keep in mind this is a very early estimate on possible changes coming our way and there will be several updates to these possible changes and impacts over the next 5 to 7 days, in other words, this could change. If you have outdoor plans like a backcountry trip start planning and snow over most mountain ranges and a cold and wet pattern by late next week.
City by City Forecast:
BOZEMAN: LOW: 49°; HIGH SATURDAY: 75°. Isolated early thunderstorms giving way to partly cloudy skies overnight. Saturday there is a slight chance for a few pop-up thunderstorms otherwise partly cloudy and breezy.
BUTTE: LOW: 46°; HIGH SATURDAY: 75°. Partly cloudy to cloudy Friday evening and breezy for Butte. Saturday should be mostly dry with a slight chance for an isolated mountain thunderstorm.
DILLON: LOW: 45°; HIGH SATURDAY: 77°. Friday night and Saturday should be mostly dry and warm. A few isolated mountain thunderstorms are possible Saturday.
WEST YELLOWSTONE: LOW: 37°; HIGH SATURDAY: 70°. Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for a thunderstorm this evening with a few more late day rumbles on Saturday.
