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Significant pattern change this weekend: Snow, Wind, and Cold!

Posted at 1:59 PM, Apr 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-08 16:07:33-04

BOZEMAN – Forecast models continue to be consistent with a significant weather pattern change this weekend.

A strong Canadian cold front will drop through the state beginning Friday evening along the hi-line and reaching southern Montana by Saturday morning.

Temperatures will drop rapidly Saturday behind the front and fall well below normal by Sunday.

Snow and wind will also develop with this storm system producing hazardous travel impacts statewide. The greatest concern is wet roadways flash freezing Saturday. This could produce very icy road conditions Saturday into Sunday morning.

It’s still too early to get specific on how much snow we could see from this storm. We will narrow down specific detailed snow totals in the next 48 hours but plan on most valleys picking up 2”-6” in SW Montana and mountain passes over 6”. Again, these values will change with updated model runs over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WATCH for Friday evening into Saturday evening along the Rocky mountain front and Continental divide out into central Montana. Additional winter weather highlights are likely later today or by tomorrow, stay tuned.

The above on-demand STORMTracker weather briefing will walk you through the timing of this winter storm event and additional updates are coming tonight at 5:30 pm and 10 pm on KXLF and KBZK.