222 
FXUS65 KMSO 171932
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
132 PM MDT Mon Jul 17 2023

.DISCUSSION...A cold front is still expected to cross the region
this afternoon and produce gusty west to southwesterly winds
area-wide through late this evening. Overall, sustained wind
speeds will range from 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph 
likely below 4500 feet in elevation. Higher elevations could 
experience stronger gusts to 40+ mph, particularly across 
southwest Montana and extreme northwest Montana, including Glacier
National Park. Boaters on area lakes, particularly Flathead Lake 
and Lake McDonald, should be alert to increased wave activity from
gusty conditions. Any lingering light showers from this morning 
have shifted east of the Divide, with little to no additional 
shower activity expected the rest of today.

High pressure will once again build to our west and gradually
shift directly over the Northern Rockies by the end of the week
into the weekend. Confidence remains high that temperatures for 
valleys of central Idaho will rise into the 100s, with locations
like Orofino, Slate Creek, and Riggins reaching 110 degrees on
Saturday. Valleys of western Montana are also likely to hit 100 
degrees this weekend, or at least come very close to it. As it 
stands now, there is about a 50 to 60 percent probability of 
Missoula getting as warm as 102 degrees on Saturday, in addition
to Libby, Noxon, Trout Creek, and Yaak also forecast to hit 100 
or slightly above that on Saturday. 

As a result, heat risk will also be increasing. Plan ahead for 
the hot week and weekend to come to prevent heat related impacts 
and/or illness.


&&

.AVIATION...West-southwest wind gusts of 15-30kt will continue
across the Northern Rockies airspace through 18/0200Z, with the
strongest winds expected along the Continental Divide and in Lemhi
County, ID. By 18/0600Z, winds will decrease below 10kts. GOES
satellite imagery shows dry air filtering in from the west behind
the cold front. Skies will continue to clear overnight into
Tuesday morning. /Lukinbeal

&&

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

$$