Warmer, windy weekend weather

The system that brought rain showers, mountain snow and clouds to parts of Montana is retreating, resulting in clear skies over the Treasure State. On Friday there will be sunshine and still cool temperatures.

The bigger concern going forward will be a strong downslope wind that will develop along the Rocky Mountain Front Friday evening. A Strong wind warning applies to the northern Rocky Mountain Front from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 p.m. Saturday. There will be strong crosswinds on Highway 89 from Babb to Choteau, Highway 49 from Kiowa to East Glacier and Highway 464 from Babb to Browning. In these areas, gusts can reach speeds of over 80 miles per hour. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are spreading eastwards towards Shleby and Cut Bank. Otherwise, gusts of up to 72 km/h are possible until Saturday evening. The strongest wind speeds will occur early Saturday morning.

Temperatures will be moderate throughout the weekend, with daytime highs reaching lows into the mid-70s through Sunday. It will stay airy.

A cooling regime will be implemented early next week, bringing additional chances of rain and more average temperatures. Models are trending warmer for the remainder of the week as an upper level ridge forms over the west. High temperatures are likely to be above average again.