Urgent: A Snow Invasion Expected This Week

Although not terribly significant by Montana standards, a decent amount of snow is on track to impact Montana this week.

Mid-level moisture is set to stream in from the northwest, driven by a shortwave trough making its way into the Pacific Northwest and subsequently into the Northern Rockies.

Atmospheric Dynamics

Simultaneously, a weaker high-pressure system, distinct from the lingering arctic blast, is poised to approach the region from the north. The convergence of these two systems is forecasted to occur across Montana from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning.

Snowfall Projections

This collision is anticipated to result in a prolonged period of snow. The areas most likely to experience moderate to heavy snowfall include the Continental Divide, the Golden Triangle, and the Central Mountains. Projections indicate a substantial likelihood, exceeding 70%, of these regions receiving at least 6 inches of snow over the 48 hours spanning through Thursday.

Winter Storm Warning Expansion

In response to the elevated snowfall estimates, the Winter Storm Warning has been expanded to encompass the initial regions and areas over the western plains. While the potential impact of downsloping effects is acknowledged, confidence remains low due to a thin layer of lower upslope northerly flow.

Snowy Mountain Area Inclusion

Further bolstering the cautionary measures, the Snowy Mountain area zone has been included in the Winter Storm Watch. The increased confidence in this region experiencing 8 inches of snow or more stands at an impressive 80%.

Roadway Concerns

Compounding the weather changes, existing roadways are already cold and in some spots covered with snow and ice. This raises concerns about significant impacts on transportation, urging residents to exercise caution and stay updated on road conditions.

Temperature Decline

Adding to the complexity of the weather scenario, temperatures are expected to drop once again. From Wednesday night through Friday night, temperatures are forecasted to hover a few degrees above or below the freezing point, intensifying the winter chill.