Spring-like weather returning for now

Cold temperatures and snow in this region appear to be in the rearview mirror for now, with the forecast predicting highs in the 40s and 50s through the week and no precipitation until Thursday or Friday.

After temperatures in the area hit 50s and 60s and even 70s in the past few weeks, a massive blizzard just touched this region last week, moving high temperatures into the 20s with lows in the teens and dropping some snow in the area.

National Weather Service reported that in Havre, the reporting station at the City-County Airport measured an inch of snow Sunday with 2.4 inches in the past week.

The main part of the blizzard hit southwestern and southern Montana, closing some highways and schools early last week, before curving up and blasting North Dakota. Highways, schools and the state capitol were closed for several days there before starting to reopen Friday as the 100-year event moved out of the state.

In this area, highs are expected to be in the 50s today on the plains and high 40s in the Bear Paw Mountains with no precipitation expected, but highs in the 40s and 50s Tuesday will be accompanied by high winds.

National Weather Service has a high wind warning in place for Liberty and Hill counties from noon to midnight Tuesday, with 35 mph to 45 mph winds and gusts up to 70 mph expected, and a high wind advisory for Chouteau and Blaine counties.

Chouteau and Blaine are expected to see 25 mph to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 60 mph Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.

The forecast calls for a slight chance of rain Thursday in some parts of this region of the state and a chance of rain, with a slight chance of early morning snow in some areas, Friday and into the weekend in Chouteau and Blaine counties.