Warmer Weather and High Pressure Ahead for Montana

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High pressure will strengthen over the Northern Rockies this weekend, bringing high temperatures to 10-15 degrees above average. Daytime highs will climb into the 40s and 50s today and tomorrow, with some locations approaching record highs. A brief system on Sunday evening will bring some light rain showers, but high pressure will return and dominate the forecast for the coming week.

Why it matters

The warmer and drier weather will raise the likelihood of sparking grass fires, so residents should be mindful of any potential ignition sources. The above-average temperatures will also impact travel, especially over mountain passes, and could lead to the development of inversions in some valleys.

The details

High pressure will strengthen over the Northern Rockies, bringing high temperatures 10-15 degrees above average. Daytime highs will climb into the 40s and 50s today and tomorrow, with some locations approaching record highs. A brief system on Sunday evening will bring some light rain showers, but high pressure will return and dominate the forecast for the coming week. Snow levels will remain relatively high, above 4,000 feet, so any valley precipitation will likely fall in the form of rain. Mountain passes could see minor snow accumulations, and with them some minor travel impacts.

• Today and tomorrow, daytime highs will climb into the 40s and 50s.
• On Sunday evening, a brief system will bring some light rain showers.
• High pressure will return and dominate the forecast for the coming week.

What’s next

Residents should be mindful of any potential ignition sources as the warmer and drier weather raises the likelihood of grass fires. Travelers should also be aware of potential minor travel impacts over mountain passes due to the expected snow accumulations.