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Pattern change is coming late next week

Posted at 1:31 PM, Dec 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-04 15:31:21-05

BOZEMAN – Enjoy the next few days with dry and mild conditions across Montana because there will be a pattern change later next week.

Strong High-pressure is dominating our local and regional weather pattern through the weekend into early next week.

Forecast highs are in the 40s to lower 50s and that is 10° to 20° above normal. Temperatures will begin to drop down to normal levels by the end of next week into the second weekend of December.

There are some weather-related concerns with the current pattern and one is air stagnation mostly west of the divide with valley inversions. Missoula to Kalispell is under an Air Stagnation Advisory through the weekend. Low level smog will continue to produce at least moderate rating for air quality in western Montana.

The Pacific NW is also dealing with air stagnation conditions through the weekend into early next week.

The other side effect of the long duration warm and dry pattern is increasing fire danger. In wind prone areas with no snow on the ground the dry dead grasses with warm and windy conditions could produce higher fire danger so be careful with outdoor recreating this weekend.