The Northern Jet Stream will be over northwest Montana Thursday, bringing strong winds during the afternoon through 9pm. The strongest winds will be in higher terrain and exposed ridgelines, especially Glacier National Park, The Bob Marshall Wilderness, The Whitefish and Swan Ranges, and areas around Butte. Higher terrain winds will range 35 to 40 MPH with gusts up to 55 MPH along the divide. While the valleys will generally be 15 to 25 MPH gusting to 35 MPH. Expect choppy conditions on area lakes, especially ones susceptible to west winds. In addition, unsecured yard toys and furniture could be blown around.

A strong ridge of high pressure will be building over the Northern Rockies early next week. This will allow for temperatures to rise to above normal, and perhaps the warmest we’ve seen this season so far.