Weather

Snow has arrived, cooler weather to remain

Posted: Oct 3, 2012 7:34 AM by Meteorologist Adam Bell

After a mild and dry start to the Fall season, snow showers have officially moved into Southwest Montana.
The latest observations this morning have light snow falling in the Bozeman area, with cloudy skies reported in Belgrade, Butte, and other communities. If the snow isn't falling now, it will soon.
While the snow may be falling, accumulations should be limited for several reasons, including the limited precipitation, mild ground temperatures, and the short duration that we are expecting the snow.
The steadiest precipitation will be through the noon hour, with some left over showers and flurries afterward. Southwest Montana will remain on the edge of the heaviest precipitation, with the majority of the snow and winter weather remaining to our north.
Perhaps the bigger story with this storm is the significant cool down that we will be seeing over the days to come. Highs today have already occurred at around 2 am, with temperatures expected to fall through tonight down into the teens and 20's. Cool afternoon highs and cold overnight lows will remain through the weekend with a push to more seasonal temperatures early next week.
Overnight lows will be cold enough for our first real hard freeze over the next few nights. The end of the growing season is near, so plan on bringing in those plants and flowers if you want to enjoy them, as temperatures will dip into the teens and 20's even in the valleys.
After today's snow, quiet but cool weather will remain through Friday, where a few more flakes might be possible. Welcome to Winter everyone!