A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect for the Rocky Mountain Front as well as for portions of the Hi-Line from near Harlem to north of Glasgow into Thursday morning.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for most of Montana into Thursday morning.
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for parts of central and western Montana for Friday into Saturday.
My total snowfall forecast by Saturday evening includes two storm systems: the one moving through Wednesday night into Thursday and a stronger system that will spread snow across the state Friday evening and Saturday. Much of Montana will be buried by several inches to nearly a foot of fresh snow, followed by record cold temperatures.
Scattered snow showers and intense snow squalls will continue to move throughout the state into Thursday morning. The heaviest accumulation will be in the mountains, off the Rocky Mountain Front, and out the Hi-Line. Some intense snow squalls could drop a quick 1-2" for other areas. Roads will be slick as temperatures fall into the 10s and 20s. Some snow showers will continue on Thursday morning before skies become partly cloudy through the afternoon. Temperatures will remain cold, with highs only in the 20s to around 30.
The next storm arrives through Friday afternoon and evening with steady to heavy snow. Travel conditions will rapidly deteriorate through Friday evening. Snow will continue for Friday night and most of Saturday. Snow will taper off through Saturday afternoon and evening. Highs will only be in the 10s and 20s. Record cold high temperatures are likely for both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night's temperatures will be in the -0s and 0s, setting record cold low temperatures. Sunday will be a bright and sunny day, but arctic high pressure will keep temperatures nearly 40 degrees below normal.
Next week a chinook wind will develop, warming up the prairies. Inversions will likely keep valley locations colder for a few more days. Overall, a warmer and drier pattern will prevail for the end of October.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
