FXUS65 KMSO 260825 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 225 AM MDT Fri Apr 26 2024 .DISCUSSION...A large surface low pressure system will be moving onshore of the Pacific NW this morning, transporting moisture over the Northern Rockies from the southwest. Widespread valley rain and high mountain snow showers have developed over north- central Idaho, and will continue to spread across Northern Rockies throughout the day. Late this afternoon, a mid-level circulation is expected to develop over central Idaho and will move east over southwest Montana this evening. Moisture wrapping around the circulation is expected to produce widespread light steady valley rainfall and mountain snow down to elevations of around 6000 feet, with the bulk of the moisture likely lining up with locations along and south of the I-90 corridor. Total valley rainfall amounts through Saturday are expected to be around 0.25", with slightly higher amounts in the mountains. Cool and showery conditions will persist through the day Sunday, with another surface low pressure system projected to bring widespread steady precipitation to region Monday and Wednesday. 70% of ensemble forecast models continue to indicate the first week of May will experience below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation across the Northern Rockies. && .AVIATION...Steady light rainfall has developed over north-central Idaho this morning, and will slowly move northeast over western Montana through the mid-morning hours and this afternoon. All aviation sites across the region will experience periods of steady light rainfall, reducing visibility and lowering ceilings throughout the day. The higher intensity precipitation is expected to be over western Montana between 26/1700-26/2300Z this evening. Snowlevels will be lowering to around 6000 feet overnight through Saturday morning, that could produce periods of light snowfall in areas around KBTM. && .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT...None. ID...None. && $$