A strong cold front, rare for July, will push south and west into the region from Canada Monday evening, bringing gusty winds, cooler temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms. The National Weather Service, Missoula, has issued a high wind watch for the Kootenai/Cabinet and West Glacier Regions from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. It could be dangerous boaters to be on Lake MacDonald, Swan Lake, Lake Koocanusa, and other area lakes Monday evening. If you are camping or recreating outdoors during this time, avoid setting up tents or campers near trees. Winds over 40 mph could easily bring down weakened trees or large limbs, especially in forested areas and western foothills prone to downslope winds. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
The strongest winds will occur in the higher elevations, in the channeled terrain especially in the canyons on the western sides of the Lewis Range in Glacier National Park, Whitefish Range, Swan Range, Purcell, Cabinet and Salish ranges.
A wind advisory has also been issued for Boundary County.
Thunderstorms are possible Monday evening and the main threats could be lightning, gusty winds, small hail and heavy downpours.