Cloudy skies and rain will take over the state on Friday. Showers are expected to become more widespread as the day plays out. Daytime highs will struggle to hit the 50s as a cold front slides into the state.
This cold front will meet up with Pacific moisture late this afternoon. A few flurries can't be ruled out along the leading edge of this front, however rain is most likely.
By Saturday morning the rain is expected to begin transitioning to snow. I don't expect the initial snow will stick, except for grassy areas and tree limbs.
Broken branches and downed power lines are a strong possibility.
Widespread snow is expected to take over on Sunday, this is when we should begin to see the greatest accumulations. The snow is expected to taper off on Monday.
Once it's all said and done, Great Falls and Helena should pick up around eight inches, possibly a bit more. Cut Bank will see the greatest accumulation, likely around a foot.
Following this system, temperatures are expected to reach the mid 40s by the middle of next week.
- WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES:
- STORMTracker Weather page
- Live interactive radar
- STORMTracker on Facebook
- Montana webcams (MDT site)
- Road Conditions (MDT site)
