Montana Forecast: Snow Accumulation and Cold Temperatures Ahead

Montana faces significant snowfall and colder temperatures due to a cold front. Winter weather advisories are active, with lower areas receiving 1-5 inches of snow and higher elevations up to 10 inches. Conditions are forecasted to improve by Friday, leading to warmer temperatures this weekend.

Montana is experiencing a notable drop in temperatures, with readings today fluctuating between the lower 30s in the north central region and the 40s to lower 60s in the southern areas. This shift marks a decline of 5 to 41 degrees compared to 24 hours prior.

Winter weather advisories and storm warnings are in effect for mountainous regions and populated areas, including Butte, Bozeman, Helena, Anaconda, Georgetown Lake, and Seeley Lake. Expected snowfall varies, with lower elevations accumulating 1 to 5 inches and higher elevations anticipating 5 to 10 inches, while some peaks in southwest Montana may see up to 20 inches.

Current radar indicates snow across north central Montana’s high line, with additional showers in the northwest and northeast regions. Wind advisories predict gusts of up to 40 mph in the Missoula, Bitterroot, Mission, and Flathead Valleys, as well as northeast Montana locations like Glasgow and Jordan.

A strong cold front is ushering in colder temperatures and wind throughout Montana. By Thursday, the majority of the state will experience snow and graupel, with exceptions in far northern Montana. However, improvement in weather conditions is anticipated by Friday, leading to favorable conditions this weekend.

Noticeable temperature increases are expected after below-normal highs on Thursday, with weekend temperatures projected to rise above normal into the 50s and 60s, aligning with seasonal averages. Tonight, low temperatures are forecasted to be in the 20s to lower 30s, and daytime highs tomorrow are expected to reach the upper 30s to 40s, with some areas nearing 50 degrees.

In summary, Montana is set to experience significant winter weather, including substantial snowfall and colder temperatures due to a strong cold front. Areas such as Butte and Bozeman are under winter advisories, with forecasts indicating varying snow accumulations across elevations. Although harsher conditions prevail now, weather improvements are expected by the weekend, bringing a rebound in temperatures to seasonal norms.

Original Source: www.montanarightnow.com