Forecast is very cold winter weather ahead

The National Weather Service in Missoula forecasts winter will return with much colder weather on the way.

“An arctic system will begin to approach western Montana on Sunday and will impact the region through at least Tuesday,” NWS says. “Much colder temperatures and valley or mountain snow is expected with this system.”

Temperatures will begin to cool late Saturday, but the stronger push of colder arctic air is not expected until Monday and Tuesday.

“Wind chills in the single digits look likely and possibly below zero in areas along the Continental Divide,” NWS says. “People, pets and also newborn livestock will be impacted by this significant change.”

NWS warns that due to recent warm temperatures, the temperature of the ground beneath many roads is above freezing. If arctic air arrives with ongoing precipitation, a flash freeze scenario may be possible, NWS says.