Short Storms Leave Mountain Snow and Gusty Winds as New Front Brings More Showers
Terrain-driven upslope showers plus snow-level swings raise the risk of travel and visibility problems on high passes before a warm, dry pattern returns.
Overview
- A short-lived disturbance moved through the region producing scattered rain and several inches of snow in the Beartooth Mountains that forced a temporary closure of part of the Beartooth Highway.
- Today is generally drier but a few showers and isolated thunderstorms remain possible east of I-15 and along the Hi-Line while gusty winds persist and a Lake Wind Advisory stays in effect at Fort Peck Lake through the evening.
- Forecasts focus on a second cold front arriving Friday night into Saturday that should produce upslope mountain precipitation on northern slopes and thunderstorm activity near Billings.
- Forecasters expect localized foothill rainfall amounts around half to three-quarters of an inch and snow-levels fluctuating near 7,000 to 9,000 feet, which could reduce visibility and affect travel on Beartooth Pass Saturday morning.
- High pressure is expected to build by Sunday with temperatures rebounding into the 70s and 80s and mostly dry conditions returning, easing short-term travel and outdoor recreation impacts.