714
FXUS65 KMSO 261920
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
120 PM MDT Wed Mar 26 2025

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

- Isolated strong thunderstorms are possible for portions of
  Idaho/Clearwater counties and W MT tomorrow with the cold front
  Thursday. Main threats being wind gusts up to 40 mph and heavy
  rain showers.

- Active pattern returns through early April.

Another warm one is expected today, with the potential for a
couple high temperature records being set. We have previously
discussed the potential for strong storms this evening. The models
have pushed the timing of these showers into the overnight period
and with the loss of afternoon heating, this threat has
diminished. Between midnight and sunrise a few showers and a
isolated thunderstorm will be possible from north-central Idaho
into western Montana.

Thursday will warm again but afternoon clouds may temper just how
warm we get as a cold front pushes into the region. Southwest
winds increase during the afternoon with widespread gusts up to 25
mph. Wind gusts will be just below our criteria for a Lake Wind
Advisory, that said, if recreating on area lakes plan for the
potential of choppy lake conditions. Pacific moisture and strong
mid-level winds will allow for brief but heavy showers and
outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph with the front. Front timing will
be between 3pm and 8pm MDT.

Active weather is forecast to continue through the first week of
April, with seasonal temperatures and slightly above normal
precipitation.

&&

.AVIATION...A ridge of high pressure will continue to cause fair
flying conditions over the Northern Rockies this afternoon into
the evening. A disturbance will be moving through the region late
this evening and overnight which appears to kick off a few showers
and thunderstorms. KGPI appears to have the greatest potential of
being impacted by these storms between 27/08z to 27/12z. A cold
front is still on track to push through the Northern Rockies on
Thursday afternoon.

&&

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

$$