Western Montana Weekend Forecast: Will Rain or Snow Impact St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations?

Any time there is mention of a parade in Western Montana, weather is always a concern. Montana weather, especially in spring and fall, can be, for lack of a better word, unpredictable. This weekend is no different as Missoula is getting ready for a St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday with a noon start time.

Read More: Embrace the Irish Spirit: Your Guide to St. Patrick's Day in Missoula

This weekend Western Montana has a very good chance of seeing precipitation and cooler temperatures. There are multiple weather systems that are heading our way from the west. The first one is expected to start this Thursday with a very good chance of showers and cooler temperatures.

I spoke with Jeff Kitsmiller from the National Weather Service about what we can see over the next few days and into St. Patrick's Day. This weekend we will see a transition between two systems.

Weekend Forecast For Western Montana

According to Kitsmiller there is a good chance of moisture coming our way, but the weekend temperatures may be milder and we have a chance to see see more rain in the valleys, with snow in the higher elevations. The further north the better the chance of snow.

Good News for Missoula's St. Patrick's Day Parade

There is good news for the parade on Saturday - there is a good chance that the weather will be mild. According to Kitsmiller:

That's more in the transition of the next weather system, making its way in. So we're still ahead of it where it still looks kind of mild, maybe a couple of showers, but it doesn't really stand out as being too big of a deal through midday. 

The forecast for Monday, actual St. Patrick's Day, is looking colder with a better chance of snow and rain mix in the valleys and snow in the higher elevations. Kitsmiller says that right now there is a chance we may see some graupel.

For those who are planning on traveling to Butte for the annual St. Patrick's Parade on Monday, be safe there is a good chance of mixed snow and rain showers.

As with any forecast in Montana. conditions can change rapidly. Keep updated on the weather and plan accordingly.