Lake Wind Advisory 5, NWS Missoula, MT

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
335 AM MDT Fri Oct 9 2020

.DISCUSSION...We continue to track a big change in the weather
that is still on track to arrive to the Northern Rockies over the
weekend, and remaining unsettled through the first half of next
week. But first, today is expected to be another pleasant Fall
day, with temperatures remaining several degrees above normal.
We will however, continue to keep areas of smoke/haze over the
region, but isn't expected to degrade air quality or visibility at
this time.

As mentioned, our next weather system is set to arrive during the
day Saturday with ample moisture and much cooler temperatures
compared to what we've been used to the past several days. This
weather system will have several pieces to it that will impact
the region. One positive take-away, will be the much needed
precipitation associated with this North Pacific low pressure
system. Anywhere from 1 to 2 inches of liquid precipitation is
expected in the mountains of North-Central Idaho and western
Montana. The valleys will see lesser amounts of around 0.50 or
slightly more. It will however, bring pretty gusty winds as the
cold front moves through the region Saturday afternoon. Westerly
winds gusting up to 50 mph will be quite common in the mountainous
terrain, and even possible in the valleys of southwest Montana,
particularly Powell, Deer Lodge and Silver Bow counties. Those
planning to recreate in the backcountry should prepare to
experience blustery and raw conditions. Afternoon temperatures
will be around 10 degrees cooler than what we'll see today.
Though the temperatures will be normal for this time of the year,
it will be a change from where it has been the past couple weeks.

As the front pushes through overnight Saturday, an even cooler
airmass will move in behind the front. This will allow snowlevels
to lower to around 5000 feet, if not slightly lower by Sunday
morning. Lolo and Lost Trail Passes will be the most heavily used
roadways that will be impacted by the snowfall. Lolo Pass could
see 1 to 3 inches of wet slushy snow, with slightly more for Lost
Trail Pass. The higher terrain above 7000 feet along the
Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain ranges, including Skalkaho Summit
will see several inches of snow. Westerly winds will continue to
remain elevated. So again, those planning to venture into the
backcountry anytime between Saturday and Wednesday, should be
prepared.

Forecast models have been trending toward a wetter solution with
the lingering unsettled conditions Tuesday and Wednesday. Area
mountains could see another 1 to 2 inches of beneficial
precipitation and another half inch or so for many valleys
(excluding southwest Montana valleys). Westerly winds are also
looking to remain quite breezy as well.

&&

.AVIATION...Hazy and high level clouds will remain over the region
for much of the day today. Though, the hazy conditions from
California wildfires are not expected to lower visibility less
than 6SM. Today will be the last day of fair weather, before a big
change arrives Saturday. Gusty westerly winds and widespread
precipitation will impact all of the Northern Rockies through the
weekend. Sunday morning will have snowlevels lowering to around
5000 feet, or slightly lower.

&&

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