BOZEMAN – This weekends weather pattern will go from mild and wind on Saturday to snow and cold by Sunday.
Numerous Christmas strolls tonight, and Saturday across SW Montana and the overall weather forecast is good Friday night but look for increasing wind and snow in Bozeman Saturday evening.
NEXT WEATHER MAKERS
High-pressure will be weakening Saturday as a deep trough of Low-pressure moves in from the West and a weak arctic cold front moves in from the North.
Temperatures will be mild Saturday and most areas could see upper 30s to mid 40s. As the day goes on Saturday surface winds will be increasing along with clouds and showers.
Saturday evening into Sunday morning the arctic front will dig into Southern Montana and moisture will over run the colder surface air producing widespread snow, especially east of the divide.
Snow, colder temperatures, and gusty winds will bring wintry travel impacts across Montana Sunday.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
The National Weather Service has a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY up Saturday evening through Sunday evening east of the divide.
Travel impacts are likely with snow and wind, areas of blowing snow and lower visibility, and mountain passes could see periods of moderate to heavy snow at times.
Snow accumulations: Valleys in SW Montana east of the divide could see 1” – 3” and most mountain ranges could see as much as 6” – 12” of snow Saturday evening to Sunday evening.
Other travel hazards will be the rapid temperature drop into Sunday morning. As the snow develops surface road temperatures could be warm enough to cause melting and wet roads could turn icy as the colder air digs in Sunday morning.
Areas of greatest concern: West Yellowstone to Big Sky, Gardiner to Cooke City, Monida Pass, Lolo Pass, Lookout Pass, Lost Trail Pass. These areas could see the heaviest snowfall. All mountain passes will see snow and wind Sunday.
PLAYOFF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The weather forecast for both games is mild. Temperatures should reach the lower 40s in Bozeman and Missoula.
In Bozeman look for increasing surface winds by late afternoon around 10 to 20 mph and possibly gusting over 30 mph. Mostly cloudy and a slight chance for a few isolated showers by early evening.
In Missoula there is a slight chance for pockets of freezing rain in the morning with a few showers during the game.
Traveling to both games should be good Friday night into Saturday morning. Traveling home from both games the weather will turn nasty especially by Sunday morning.
