Bigfork, Montana 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

992
FXUS65 KMSO 150912
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
212 AM MST Thu Jan 15 2026

.DISCUSSION...


KEY MESSAGES:

-  High pressure will bring a long period of dry weather through
   early next week (January 20).

-  Expect areas of valley fog and low clouds through Friday.

-  A major weather shift to colder and wetter conditions is likely
   starting around January 22nd.

Widespread freezing fog has returned overnight, creating low
visibility in several areas. High moisture near the ground may
create slick spots on roads for the morning commute. Due to the
widespread low visibility, a Dense Fog Advisory may need to be
issued for the morning commute. Allow for extra travel time as you
head out to work and school today. Satellite imagery shows low
clouds and fog stretching from Missoula into northwest Montana. In
Idaho, the Dworshak Reservoir and parts of US-12 are also seeing
fog. Like yesterday, areas that see plenty of sunshine will warm
into the mid-40s to low 50s. Valleys where the fog remains trapped
(Missoula, Flathead, and Kootenai) will likely stay in the 30s.

More fog and low clouds are expected to form tonight, especially
near rivers and lakes. This stable weather pattern will likely
last through early next week. The stagnant air will cause air
quality to worsen, with the first concerns appearing in lower
elevations of north-central Idaho where Air Stagnation Advisories
are in effect. Additional advisories may be needed for western
Montana in the coming days, though the air quality there is less
of a concern for now.

Confidence is increasing (80% chance) that an active, stormy
pattern will develop by the middle of next week (January 22-24).
This shift could bring needed snow to both the mountains and
valleys. Details are still being determined regarding how far west
the cold air will reach and how much moisture will be available
for snow. This would be a major change from the mild, dry weather
we are seeing through early next week.

&&

.AVIATION...Valley fog and low clouds will be the main concern for
aviation terminals today and over the next few days as high
pressure remains over the West Coast. A weak weather disturbance
moving south from Canada helped clear some fog in the Flathead
Valley earlier, but fog and low clouds are expected to return and
persist through much of the day due to light winds. The Bitterroot
Valley (from Stevensville to Hamilton) and areas near Orofino and
Grangeville may see some afternoon clearing. However, the Missoula
and Kalispell airports will likely keep low clouds and fog through
at least 15/1700Z. Any fog that clears this afternoon will likely
return tonight.


&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...ID...Air Stagnation Advisory until 10 AM PST Friday for Northern
     Clearwater Mountains...Orofino/Grangeville Region...
     Southern Clearwater Mountains.

&&

$$