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Hello, my name is Nick Langlieb, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great
Falls. I will be presenting the Montana weekly briefing. If you are watching this after Monday,
you may wish to check the National Weather Service webpage or call any of the Montana
National Weather Service offices for updates as conditions may have changed.
Here is a look a this week's hazards. A wet snow is expected over northwest and portions
of southwest Montana through Wednesday. Travel will be difficult due to snow covered and
slippery roads, along with reduced visibility. There will be an increased risk for hypothermia
due to the wet snow and cold conditions. Outdoor recreationists should be prepared for wet
and cold conditions. A mix of rain and snow is expected in the
western valleys and northeast Montana. Roads will be slippery and some may become snow
covered. There is also the possibility for light freezing rain in the western valleys.
If freezing rain occurs some roads and surfaces could develop a thin layer of ice. Precipitation
will end over northeast Montana early Tuesday but continue in the western valleys through
Wednesday. Strong winds will develop today and continue
trough Wednesday in the Livingston area and along the Rocky Mountain Front. Wind gusts
of 55 to 65 mph are expected, but winds gusts may approach 75 mph along the Rocky Mountain
Front on Wednesday. Travel for high profile vehicles will be difficult due to strong cross
winds. Areas of blowing snow may also result in snow covered stretches on roads near the
Rocky Mountain Front along with reduced visibility. Much colder air will push into the state Wednesday
night and widespread light snow will develop. Roads will become snow covered and visibilities
will be reduced at times through Friday. The colder air will help change the wet snow over
western Montana into a drier snow and valley rain will change to all snow.
This map shows the forecast precipitation, in inches, across the Pacific Northwest over
the next week. A moist flow off the Pacific will bring significant amounts of moisture
into western Montana. The greatest amounts of moisture are expected near the Idaho border
and northwest Montana Monday through Wednesday. Accumulating light snow will be possible over
the entire state Wednesday night through Friday. Another round of snow could move through the
area over the weekend. Looking ahead there is a good chance for below
average temperatures across the state next week along with an increased chance for above
normal precipitation over the plains. In summary, the main impacts this week will
be due to snow and high winds. Wet mountain snow and a wintery mix in the valleys of western
Montana will make travel and outdoor activities difficult through Wednesday. High winds will
make travel for high profile vehicles difficult along 1-90 in the Livingston area and along
the Rocky Mountain Front where blowing snow will also be a concern. Lighter winds are
expected after Wednesday and colder air will funnel into the state. Accumulating light
snow could impact travel statewide Wednesday night through Friday. Additional snowfall
could occur with another round of snow over the weekend.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact any of the four Montana NWS offices.