Two distinct wind events are expected across the Northern Rockies heading into the weekend. The first arrives Friday afternoon as an approaching disturbance generates breezy west winds with widespread gusts of 30 to 40 mph before decreasing Friday night. Then on Saturday afternoon and night, a strong backdoor cold front pushes into the region, producing gusty east to northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, locally higher on the east side of Flathead Lake. Higher terrain—especially along and near the Continental Divide—could experience gusts in excess of 40 mph during both wind events.

A hard freeze is forecast across western Montana for Monday and Tuesday mornings, marking the end of the growing season for sensitive plants. Frost is also expected for the lower elevations of north-central Idaho. Forecast low temperatures for Monday morning will plummet into the teens and 20s for western Montana, with 30s across north-central Idaho. Similar temperatures are expected on Tuesday morning. Actionable Steps: Take time this weekend to cover or harvest any remaining sensitive vegetables or flowers. Bring potted plants indoors or move them to a sheltered location, and take steps to winterize your home, property, and vehicles.