Expires:No;;333724
FXUS65 KMSO 250704
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
104 AM MDT Thu Apr 25 2024

.DISCUSSION...Today will be the last relatively warm day, along
with scattered rainshowers this afternoon.

Tomorrow will be the start of an overall pattern change as a low
pressure system moves onshore of the Pacific NW. Ensemble forecast
models continue to indicate a mid-level low circulation developing
on the leading edge of a broad trough, that is expected to move
across Lemhi County and southwest Montana during the day Friday.
This will aide in producing widespread steady rainfall across the
Northern Rockies through Saturday. As the mid-level low moves
across the region, snowlevels are expected to lower to around 
5500 feet by Saturday morning, bringing a few inches of snow to 
the higher elevations. Currently, there is around a 30% chance for
2-4 inches of snow for elevations above 6000 feet in the southern
Bitterroot Range and the mountains of Lemhi County. The 
Anaconda/Pintler Range has the highest probability for several 
inches, with around a 60% probability for up to 6". As of this 
morning, impacts to area passes due to accumulating snow are not 
expected as current projections have the heavier precipitation 
arriving after sunrise Saturday. Periods of light slush is still 
possible over Lost Trail Pass if heavier showers move overhead 
before sunrise Saturday. 

For the rest of the region expect light snowfall above 6000 feet,
with a greater than 50% probability of 0.25" of rain from I-90 
and points south.

Showery and cool conditions will persist Sunday, before another
widespread rainfall event arrives Monday. Around 60-70% of the
ensemble members are currently showing a wet and cool start to the
first week of May. 


&&

.AVIATION...Another relatively warm afternoon is expected to day,
with scattered rainshowers for KHRF, KBTM and KSMN after 25/2100Z
this afternoon. All aviation sites will have around a 50% chance
in experiencing westerly gusts around 20kts this afternoon from
25/2200-260300Z. 




&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

$$