Weather Service revises harsh forecast

The National Weather Service in Missoula has modified their forecast for next week. The weather will not be “as cold or long-lasting as earlier anticipated,” NWS said.

Winter will return briefly, followed by above normal temperatures by mid-week, NWS said. A weak cold front will push west across the Continental Divide on Sunday into Monday, bringing light snow to higher elevations.

“Temperatures near the Divide will be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than they have been,” NWS said.

According to the revised forecast, a cold front will push west along U.S. 2 at Marias Pass late Sunday afternoon causing periods of light snow and breezy easterly winds. The light snow is expected to cause slick road surfaces at passes long the Divide.

Snow accumulations of 2-3 inches are expected at Marias Pass, 1-2 inches at MacDonald Pass and 1 inch at Homestake Pass. Wind chills in the single digits are expected at mountain passes along the Divide.