BOZEMAN – 3rd round of record lows this morning across SW Montana. Bozeman airport (Belgrade) again for the 2nd day in-a-row hit -14° below zero setting another record. West Yellowstone was one of the coldest spots in the state this morning dropping to -18° below zero and setting a new record low.
The current arctic pattern will slowly begin to fade away this evening. High clouds develop and that might help keep most (not all) of SW Montana from dropping below zero by Thursday morning. I am working on forecast lows for tonight right now and I will have your updated forecast numbers tonight at 5:30 pm and 10 pm on KXLF and KBZK.
NEXT WEATHER MAKER
Unfortunately, another Canadian clipper will pass through Montana from NW to SE Thursday. This storm system appears to be weak overall, but it will bring increasing surface winds for wind prone areas like Livingston, Whitehall, Ennis-Norris Hill, Three Forks etc.
WIND ADVISORY
The National Weather Service did issue a WIND ADVISORY for the Livingston area from 6 pm Wednesday to 6 pm Thursday.
SW surface winds will be increasing tonight and should be sustained between 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to or over 60 mph.
If the crosswinds are too strong MDT could close I-90 and detour traffic through Livingston adding a travel delay.
SNOW THURSDAY
This next clipper could produce scattered areas of snow along the rocky mountain front down to Yellowstone National Park Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.
Forecast models show minor accumulations are possible from Helena, Bozeman, Big Sky, and Cooke City. The combination of areas of snow and gusty winds could produce some travel hazards Thursday evening into Friday morning.
HALLOWEEN FORECAST
Clouds will be building over SW Montana late Thursday morning and could produce scattered snow showers mostly east of the divide with the greatest potential for 1” – 2” from Helena to Bozeman to Big Sky and possibly in the Livingston area.
Butte and Anaconda there is only a slight chance for snow and gusty winds Thursday evening.
Temperatures after sunset will only fall a few degrees due to the cloud cover and westerly flow. Temperatures between 6 pm and 9 pm Thursday will be mostly a mix of low to mid 20s.
