Today the National Weather Service-Billings (NWS) gave a heads up on a storm system expected for midweek that has been strengthening in the forecast for the past few days. The main impacts will be locally heavy snow in the mountains above 6,500 feet and locally heavy rainfall in lower elevations, particularly around the Bighorn mountains and foothills. Additionally the cold, wet and windy conditions will make outdoor activities unpleasant. Hunters may risk getting stuck in the mud in many foothill locations. There is still time for this system to change course, but over the past 36 hours it has trended wetter in lower elevations and snowier in the mountains for our area.
The heaviest rain is expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Over an inch of rain may occur in localized areas. Areas near Bighorn Mountains are currently expected to experience the heaviest precipitation.
Mountain snow is expected above 6,500 feet in the Beartooth, Absaroka, Crazy and Bighorn mountains. In general, 5 to 10 inch accumulations are forecast. Locally, up to 16 inches are forecast in the highest peaks. Beartooth Pass is closed.
Highs are expected to be in the 70s throughout the county on Monday and Tuesday, dropping to the 40s and 50s Wednesday through Friday. Gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday are expected to push down wind chill temperatures to the 30s and 40s. The combination is anticipated to make outdoor activities unpleasant. Prepare accordingly.
