weather

Old man winter is making an early visit to the mountains of western Montana.

Winter's forecast for Western Montana may be milder than usual or colder than usual. We could have more snow, or less snow, depending on who's providing the information.

A weather system heading into the area from the west coast will hit western Montana Thursday afternoon, September 5, with the full thunderstorm package.

Firefighters are keeping a wary on on the sky as a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the area near where the Lolo Creek Complex has already burned over 9,000 acres since Sunday.

Most of Western Montana will be under a red flag warning this afternoon, August 9.

What would fair week be without the risk of some good old-fashioned summer thunderstorms? Corby Dickerson with the National Weather Service said Monday that after a pleasant start, storms will be moving into the area later in the week.

Strong weather systems from the south will bring thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, small hail and heavy, soaking rains. National Weather Service forecaster Corby Dickerson said the weather will be both bad news and good news.

Tuesday was the hottest day in years in several Montana communities. The National Weather Service reported early Wednesday morning that Butte broke a record, and temperatures went well over 100 degrees in Missoula and Stevensville.

The rain and cool weather Missoula has been experiencing will soon be a distant memory, as a huge high-pressure system will be moving into the area over the weekend and into the Fourth of July holiday, bringing possible record high temperatures.

Looking for an excuse to get outside? Here are five ways to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in Missoula.