BOZEMAN – The greatest weather hazard Friday through Sunday will be strong surface winds gusts for most of Montana.
Wind prone areas locally in SW Montana could see peak wind gusts between 30 to 60 mph Friday night through Sunday evening. Crosswind areas on I-90 and I-15 will be especially hazardous at times this weekend.
There will be several Pacific disturbances passing through the state producing mostly mountain snow showers. The combination of periods of snow and gusty winds will produce difficult backcountry conditions this weekend.
Temperatures should stay on the slightly warmer than normal side through early next week with a few local lower valleys possibly reaching the low to mid 40s by Sunday. That might sound wonderful but the reason for the milder temperatures is the strong gusty winds.
The National Weather Service has HIGH WIND WARNINGS and a HIGH WIND WATCH up for most of central Montana down into the Livingston area Friday evening through Sunday evening. Peak wind gusts 60 to 70 mph are possible for the areas highlighted in the graphic below.
