Northwest Montana is expected to get an early taste of fall this weekend as a cold and wet weather system takes aim at the region.
The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting cold temperatures and heavy rain for the valley and “raw, winter-like conditions” in the nearby mountains.
Temperatures will be 20 degrees below normal for August and several inches of snow are expected in the higher elevations of Glacier National Park, according to forecasters. Snow levels are expected to drop to 6,500 feet in the park and along the Continental Divide. Some peaks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness could even get 8 inches of snow by Saturday.
The NWS was urging hikers, recreationists and travelers to take caution and be prepared for sudden weather changes throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, in the valleys, prolonged periods of heavy rainfall across western Montana could lead to flooding on roadways and mud and debris flows in areas that have recently had wildfires.
Visit www.noaa.gov for all the latest weather information.