BOZEMAN - A slow moving upper level Low is building over Eastern Washington Friday afternoon and will spin into western Montana Saturday. This will keep the overall weather pattern cool and unsettled this weekend for the entire state with several rounds of mostly afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
The Storm Prediction Center has a “Slight” risk for severe thunderstorms across most of western and southwestern Montana Saturday afternoon and evening. This means there could be a few severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail and/or damaging wind gusts. Other side effects could be brief heavy rainfall and incredible lightning.
Most of western, northern and a little bit of SW Montana could see some beneficial rain totals by early next week. Northern counties could see a half an inch up to 2” according to a few forecast models, whereas, SW Montana counties near the divide should see a quarter of an inch or more with very little rainfall for Dillon to West Yellowstone.
This type of pattern will also produce cooler than normal temperatures this weekend into next week as this slow-moving storm passes through Montana. Most forecast highs this weekend will fall into the low to mid 70s and morning lows dropping off into the 40s.
There are numerous outdoor events going on this weekend locally and the weather will threaten most events with stronger thunderstorms Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday but mostly in the late afternoon to early evening hours so have a plan in place. When those thunderstorms move over your area plan out ahead of time a safe place to take shelter until the storms pass with frequent and deadly lightning and large hail as the greatest weather concerns.
