Bitterly cold arctic system expected this weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting another cold arctic weather system moving into western Montana on Saturday and Sunday.

“While there is still some uncertainty related to timing of the front and locations of greatest snowfall, NWS Missoula wants to notify you of the coming changes and potential impacts,” their Nov. 12 press release states.

Bitterly cold and windy conditions should be expected. A cold air mass is expected to enter the region with high temperatures only reaching the low-to-mid 20s for western Montana valleys.

“This will be the coldest weather system so far this fall,” NWS Missoula says. “Gusty east to northeast winds will cause low windchills Saturday evening into Sunday morning, especially along the Continental Divide in western Montana.”

The forecasters can’t say with confidence how much snow will fall, but they expect area roads will get slick, especially over mountain passes along the Divide, including Marias and MacDonald passes.

“Valley locations could also see a period of snow but the details remain uncertain,” NWS Missoula says. “Additionally, a period of blowing and drifting snow will likely accompany the front, which could cause reduced visibility for a time Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.”

Gusty winds could cause large waves to develop on area lakes, particularly Flathead Lake, and water conditions could become dangerous, especially for small boats over the weekend.