Sunrise 6:25 AM   Sunset 8:44 PM Moonrise 10:15 PM   Moonset 5:55 AM

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FXUS65 KMSO 251916 AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 116 PM MDT Thu Apr 25 2024

DISCUSSION
A low pressure system moving into the Pacific Northwest coast today is setting up southwest flow over the region. This is bringing an increase in cloud cover and dew points today, but tonight it will bring some rain and mountain snow showers. This is just the first wave in a series.

For more information about the Friday and Saturday system, you can watch our updated YouTube briefing at https://youtube.com/watch?v=FKb8JyQo-RY

Through next week the region will remain under a trough pattern with intermittent systems moving through. Snow levels will drop down below 4,000 ft by next Tuesday morning. While there isn't a lot of moisture expected, an air mass this cold with the high solar angle of late April will cause frequent showers. And with snow levels this low, they will frequently be snow showers.

Impacts from these showers will be minimal for the most traveled and most populated areas of western Montana and Central Idaho.
However, those who live or recreate at remote, high elevation locations will have to deal with frequent snow showers and accumulating snow.

Also, with the upcoming cooler weather, be aware of colder temperatures again. For those who have sensitive plants or gardens getting started, next Monday through Wednesday morning have the potential for another round of frost freeze the Missoula, Bitterroot, Mission, and Flathead valleys as well as the lower elevations of central Idaho.

AVIATION
A trough digging along the west coast is setting up southwest flow and increasing cloud cover over the region today.
Some virga and light showers are likely this evening, though nothing of impact to terminal operations is expected until tonight. Tonight the trough advances eastward enough that wide spread rain and snow showers are expected. Snow levels will remain high enough that the only terminal that may be impacted by snow is KBTM with a 20 percent chance of snow there by Saturday morning.
This is the first in a series of systems, and the next ones in the series will be cooler and more likely to produce snow.

MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
MT...None.
ID...None.

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