The storm moving through Montana currently is just the tip of the iceberg, as a prolonged stormy pattern is heading toward the state. Scattered rain/snow showers in the lower elevations will continue into Thursday with snow showers in the mountains. Gradually through Thursday the showers will diminish with increasing sunshine. Wind will be between 15-30mph through the afternoon with highs in the 40s and 50s. The next storm arrives on Friday already with a little mix of rain and snow along the Hi-Line through the morning hours. More rain showers will increase in the afternoon and evening. A strong cold front will move into northern Montana late Friday night, beginning the transition from rain to snow. As the front slides south through the night into Saturday morning, so will the rain/snow line. A few inches of snow are possible in the lower elevations, with up to 6" in the mountains by Saturday morning. The front will stall out near the Continental Divide on Saturday afternoon with rain and snow continuing closer to the front. This front will be the focal point of rain and snow through Sunday as well. The boundary will move slightly north on Saturday night before moving back down south later Sunday. This means there may be rain and snow going back and forth closer to the Divide. Snow will once again become more widespread later Sunday into Monday. Because of the extended period of rain and snow, there likely will be significant accumulation through the weekend into early next week. Travel will be impacted. Temperatures will be the coldest since the spring. Now might be the time to put snow tires on your vehicles. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing, large storm.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
