Last year on this day, temperatures were 40-50 degrees colder than today’s highs. Temperatures once again were above average with readings in the 40s and 50s. The odd conditions will continue through the weekend in the form of dry weather, warmer temperatures, abundant sunshine and little wind. Friday will have highs in the 30s in the valleys, 40s across northcentral Montana, but 20s and 30s in far northeastern areas. High pressure will strengthen over the weekend making for mild temperatures in the plains, fairly mild in the mountains, but some stagnant and cold air building in the valleys. By Sunday, air quality will likely deteriorate in the valley locations. Elsewhere, it will be unusually nice for Montana with sunshine, a light breeze and above average temperatures. A similar setup with Montana under high pressure will continue Monday but the high will break down on Tuesday and Wednesday. Colder temperatures will move into the prairies and mountains, and inversions will weaken in the valleys. Late next week the pattern could switch to a snowier pattern that may last several days through the weekend into the following week. Don’t turn your back on January and this winter just yet.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
