898
FXUS65 KMSO 160952
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
352 AM MDT Thu May 16 2024


.DISCUSSION...A trough to move over the region today and deepen
over central Idaho and western Montana by Friday.

Today we will have another day of above average temperatures in
the mid 70s. The ridge over us will begin to flatten this
afternoon. Pressure gradients will increase (or tighten) leading
to increasing southwesterly winds. Gusts of 30-40 mph will occur
this afternoon, especially over the flathead and bitterroot
valleys where wind advisories have been posted.

Tonight and Friday temperatures will noticeably cool some 10-15
degrees. Showers will develop across the entire region during the
day Friday as the cold front moves through. Westerly winds will
intensify with gusts of 35-45 mph. West central and southwest
Montana have a 60-80% chance of gusts over 40 mph which may prompt
additional wind advisories.

After a brief return to average temperatures Saturday, the story
quickly reverts back to a cooler and wet solution Sunday through
early next week as a trough establishing itself over the region.


&&

.AVIATION...The ridge of high pressure will flatten resulting in
a tightening pressure gradient. This will increase wind gusts to
25-30 knots after 16/1800z.


&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Wind Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM MDT this evening
     for Flathead/Mission Valleys.

     Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM MDT this evening
     for Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

ID...None.
&&

$$