Cooler Weather and Light Mountain Snow Expected Across Montana This Week
Montana will see cooler-than-average temperatures and periods of light precipitation this week as Pacific weather systems move through. Highs are expected to stay mostly in the 40s and 50s, with lows often dropping into the 20s and 30s. Patchy to dense fog is possible again tonight into Monday morning, especially in southwest valleys and some plains areas near the mountains, which could reduce visibility and leave slippery spots from frost.
A system will bring light snow Monday night into Tuesday, favoring the higher terrain along the Continental Divide and southwest Montana with accumulations generally in the 1-to-4-inch range. Central ranges and lower elevations should see lighter amounts or a mix of rain and snow. Farther east and southeast, light rain or mixed precipitation is possible late tonight into Monday near the Montana-Dakotas border, with most spots receiving less than a tenth of an inch. Winds will pick up Tuesday, with westerly gusts of 35 to 45 mph common in many areas and a few stronger gusts possible.
The middle and latter part of the week looks mainly dry and breezy at times in the lower elevations, though isolated rain or snow showers may continue over the western mountains. Snow levels are expected to hover between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, so accumulating snow stays mostly in the higher terrain and on mountain passes, especially at night. Temperatures remain below average through the period.
Another system may influence the region later in the week or into early next week, but the exact track and strength are still uncertain. Some scenarios favor more snow and colder air if the system stays stronger and farther north, while others keep impacts lighter. For now the pattern points to continued cool conditions and periodic light mountain snow rather than any major widespread event.Travelers should watch for reduced visibility from fog early Monday and for slick spots on higher passes Monday night into Tuesday. Most lower-elevation roads will see only light impacts from the mixed precipitation. Overall the week stays quiet outside the mountains, with the main concerns limited to fog, light snow in the high country, and occasional breezy conditions.
