Wintry blast expected Sunday

A blast of winter is expected in Northwest Montana starting Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned Friday.

The region will see sustained northeast winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, said NWS meteorologist Luke Robinson.

Temperatures will drop into the 30s, with wind chills in the teens and single digits. The Flathead Valley will see a trace to three inches of snow, but places like Marias Pass could see 6 to 10 inches, with whiteout conditions at times. Robinson also warned of damaging waves on Flathead Lake.

The storm should be a quick one, however. Monday and Tuesday will be cold, but with partly cloudy skies. Expect highs in the 20s and 30s and with low temperatures nearing 10 degrees in Glacier National Park by Monday night.

By Tuesday, temperatures should be close to 40 with sunshine.