Up to 2 feet in the mountains

A HIGH WIND WATCH has been issued for the East Glacier area for Saturday afternoon and night.
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for higher terrain on the Rocky Mountain Front, the East Glacier area and along both sides of the Continental Divide for Monday and Tuesday.

Summer is officially still a week away, but the last storm of spring will remind us that no matter the season, Montana has a chance of snow. A major spring storm has the potential for heavy rain in the lower elevations and heavy snow in the mountains. Snow levels can sometimes drop below 5,000 feet, and travelers should expect a difficult journey over the mountain passes. But that storm is still days away and Father’s Day weekend is coming. A weak cold front approaches on Friday with some isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Most areas will be dry, windy and warm, with highs in the 80s. The cold front will move across Montana on Saturday with isolated thunderstorms and increasing winds. Wind gusts could reach speeds of 50 to 75 mph along the Rocky Mountain Front. Highs will be in the 60s to low 70s, but will fall into the 50s and 40s late this afternoon and evening. There will certainly be a chill in the air. The strong winds will continue Saturday night through Sunday. Most areas will be in the 30s and 40s Saturday night and will be cold enough for some mountain snow. Sunday will be partly to mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the mountains and higher on the Hi-Line. Highs will be cooler in the 60s to near 70 degrees. Another chance for some much-needed moisture will present itself Monday through Tuesday with a major storm in late spring. The chance of significant rainfall in the lower elevations and snow in the mountains increases. Snow levels may drop below the level of the mountain pass. This storm would significantly delay the approach of fire season. Heavy rain can cause flooding at lower elevations and the mountains can look like they are in the middle of winter. Expect a significant impact on the state one way or another.

Have a nice day,
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief meteorologist