Strong wind blasted the state over the last couple of days, and in some places it reached hurricane force. The strongest gusts were near East Glacier and Livingston, although many towns had gusts exceed 50mph. A HIGH WIND WARNING remains in effect for areas off the Rocky Mountain Front until Thursday afternoon. While the worst of the wind is over, gusty gales will continue for areas over the prairies and in the mountains. Valley locations of western Montana will see a little break from the wind over the next couple of days. Thursday will be windy for most of north-central Montana. Highs will rise into the 30s and 40s with mostly cloudy skies in the western half of the state, mostly sunny skies east. Friday will be a pleasant, mild day with highs in the 40s and even a few 50s. However, the wind will still be gusty across the prairies. Friday night, a cold front will cross the state with snow showers and strong wind that will continue into Saturday. Snow showers will mainly be over the mountains and near the Continental Divide. A coating of snow is possible over mountain passes by Saturday morning. Most of Saturday will be mostly sunny with a strong west wind. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s, and the wind gusts will also be in the 30-40mph+ range. Sunday will be a mostly sunny day with diminishing wind, thank goodness. Another storm will move in from the Pacific on Tuesday with more wind and mountain snow. Right now, odds are slim on a White Christmas. With a mild pattern from a Pacific influence, we are not in a very snowy pattern right now. Hopefully that changes for the holiday. Have a great day!
Curtis Grevenitz
