BOZEMAN – Short term weather forecast is more of the same mostly dry and warm through Friday.
Another dry cold front is dropping through the state and will likely produce gusty winds in central counties and thus increasing fire danger.
A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued through 9 pm and does include a very small part of SW Montana. Mainly between Big Sky and West Yellowstone over to Gardiner and Livingston.
The combination of gusty winds, warmer than normal temperatures and lower humidity will produce higher fire danger through this evening.
The next weather maker will arrive by Saturday. Increasing valley rain, mountain snow, and cooler temperatures will arrive with an upper-level trough this weekend. This will finally kick the blocking High-pressure ridge out of the area and allow a more progressive and active weather pattern to develop through next week.
Several systems will pass through the state and each will bring a better chance for mountain rain or snow with scattered valley rain at times.
Snow accumulations are likely above 6,000’ this weekend into next week. Snow will melt initially as the cool wet weather develops Saturday but over time with cooler air aloft snow will have a chance to accumulate Sunday through Thursday of next week.
Snow accumulations forecast are too far out in time to be accurate but plan on at least several inches above 6,000’ with possibly (could change) over 6” above 7,000’.
Be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions in the backcountry if you are hiking or hunting this weekend into next week.
