MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0700 Thursday

The Snapshot:  Clear and 8⁰ f this morning.  A warming trend begins today with snow showing up on Saturday night.

The Science:  Another cold and clear morning with surface temps in the single digits.  Upper mountain temperatures are few degrees warm due to the warmer air moving up from the southwest. Pressure gradients have ease which has also backed off the upper-level winds.  There will be some high clouds showing up to the north from the system in southern Canada brushing the NW corner of the state tonight.

A low-pressure system growing in the Gulf of Alaska is the cause of the slow change.  Warmer and wetter weather is on the way with gradually rising freezing levels, increasing clouds and eventually moisture (snow) late Saturday.  

The Long Range:  The weather pattern turns progressive Sunday with several storms beginning to organize.  The incoming storms have a SW orientation, so expect higher freezing levels (+4000’)  and plenty of moisture heading into the new week.

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = 0 Snow = 0 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = 0 snow = 0 Trend and Timing: Dry through noon Saturday.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low:  10   High: 20 Freezing level: 0- 2000’ Trend and Timing:    Surface temps will be warmer today with a gradual warming trend in the works.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  0-5 ESE Ridge Top: 5-10 SE shifting SW Trend and Timing: Easterly winds aloft will shift southerly then southwest over the next 24-48hrs.

jM