National Weather Service meteorologists are warning of heavy, wet snow across parts of Montana early next week as a cold front brings chilly weather into the region.
The NWS office in Great Falls, Montana, issued a winter storm watch early Friday morning. Snow is expected to begin on Monday morning and last until Tuesday evening.
The watch is related to a “rather vigorous upper trough” over the eastern Pacific that is threatening a cold front and windy weather through the Pacific Northwest and into the northern Rockies.
Up to 12 inches of snow is expected in higher elevations in the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front. During the same time frame, temperatures are expected to fall. Low temperatures in Great Falls are forecast at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs barely breaking 50 degrees. The cool temperatures could contribute to mountain snow at higher elevations.
“Travel could be difficult, especially on backcountry roads. Those in the backcountry should ensure they have appropriate knowledge and gear and may want to consider alternate plans,” the advisory said. “The heavy, wet nature of snow can bring down tree limbs and power lines.”
NWS Great Falls said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that heavy rain is expected in lower elevation areas.
