Valley cold pools are holding firm in many area with freezing fog ongoing in the Flathead Valley. Temperatures are in the 20s and 30s in these areas. This cold air is quite shallow, as temperatures a few hundred feet above the valley floors in 15-25 degrees warmer.
Many areas are enjoying sunshine today, so enjoy it because we are tracking big changes for the end of the week and weekend.
Our next weather maker will bring snow to the area tonight through Saturday. In general, most areas should see less than two inches of accumulation, though localized heavier snow is possible.
The greatest concern with this snowfall is the development of isolated, intense snow squalls. The combination of light snow, gusty winds and dropping temperatures may result in slick roadways.
Winter Weather Advisories are posted for many areas west of the divide, and details can be found below.
A significant change to our temperatures is anticipated as an Arctic cold front arrives Friday, bringing the coldest air mass of the season. Temperatures are forecasted to drop rapidly, with highs plummeting to single digits and teens. Lows will be in the single digits above and below zero.
Wind chills ranging from 10 to 20 degrees below zero across western Montana and 30 degrees below zero or colder along the divide.
For this bitter cold, Weather Alert Days are ahead for areas along and east of the divide.
WNTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect from 5 PM Thursday until 5 PM Saturday for the West Glacier Region and Flathead/Mission Valleys. Snow expected. Likelihood of minor impacts from snow is up to 80 percent. Likelihood of isolated major impacts from brief intense snow squalls is up to 30 percent tonight, and road freeze up with falling temperatures is up 60 percent late Friday and Friday night. Total snow accumulations up to two inches.
WNTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect from 8 PM Thursday until 5 PM Saturday for the Lower Clark Fork Region, Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region, and Potomac/Seeley Lake Region. Snow expected. Likelihood of minor impacts from snow is up to 90 percent. Likelihood of isolated major impacts from brief intense snow squalls is up to 50 percent tonight through Friday morning, and road freeze up with falling temperatures is up 60 percent Friday night into Saturday. Total snow accumulations up to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph…