Area Forecast Discussion

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Letterhead and timestamp

000 FXUS65 KMSO 031852 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 1152 AM MST Tue Nov 3 2026

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGES:

- High pressure bringing stable conditions through Wednesday.

- Light precipition is possible Thursday onward.

High pressure has settled over the region with strong valley inversions developing. The current temperature difference between Point 6, Snow Bowl Ski area, and the airport in Missoula is 10 degrees. Its a balmy 44F at 8000 feet, while just 34F in the valley. These inversions will suppress maximum warming potential in the valleys today and tomorrow and allow for valley fog and low stratus to linger into the afternoon.

Starting Thursday, while the region generally remains under the effects of high pressure, weak systems will start to dive south. Each of these systems will be capable of light precipitation mainly in the mountains.

Saturday one of these systems may be strong enough to temporarily suppress the ridge and southwesterly breezes develop.

Beyond a breezy afternoon Saturday and light precipitation in the mountains the Northern Rockies remains in between systems and no widespread precipitation events are expected through at least 11 Nov.

AVIATION

Any valley fog and low level stratus clouds will lift during the afternoon. Overnight clearing will allow for efficient radiational cooling and areas of valley fog develop again, especially at KMSO and KGPI after 04/0600z. Lowered visibility and ceilings may linger through 04/1800z as strong valley inversions will be in place again.

MSO WATCHES / WARNINGS / ADVISORIES

MT...None. ID...None.