038
FXUS65 KMSO 081753
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1153 AM MDT Tue Oct 8 2024

.DISCUSSION...High pressure will flatten further on Wednesday
ahead of a weak weather disturbance. While temperatures will
remain seasonally warm, winds will increase another notch with
widespread gusts 20 to 30 mph by Wednesday afternoon, especially
across western Montana. Gusts to near 40 mph are possible across
southwest Montana and Lemhi county, but the probability of wind
this high is only around 30 to 40 percent. Near critical fire
weather conditions are anticipated across southwest Montana where
gusty winds will combine with low humidities.

Upstream fires in central Idaho will likely remain active today
and could increase in activity Wednesday due to the increasing
winds. Wildfire smoke will continue to degrade air quality,
particularly across southwest Montana into Lemhi County.

For Thursday into Saturday, the flatter flow aloft will remain in
place, continuing afternoon breezes and allowing for slightly
cooler temperatures. While a few showers will be possible, the
over all trend in our forecast models has been towards less
precipitation and generally dry conditions continuing.

Forecast models continue to show the high pressure ridge
rebuilding into the region Sunday into early next week. However,
there is hope of a pattern change beginning mid to late next week.
Around 40 percent of forecast solutions are showing the potential
for an upper level trough developing over the region which would
lead to cooler temperatures and potentially some precipitation.

&&

.AVIATION...Winds are expected to increase to 15-20 knots this
afternoon due to a flattening of the upper-level ridge. Smoke
forecasts indicate heavier smoke in parts of the region today from
local and regional wildfires, with KSMN and KBTM likely to
experience the most significant visibility reductions this evening
into Wednesday morning. Winds will increase further on Wednesday
afternoon with gusts of 20-30 knots possible.

&&

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

$$