Weather alert

The National Weather Service in Missoula is warning of a “more active weather pattern” across the region from through Saturday, Dec. 15, with effects growing more severe as the week progresses.

The change that began Sunday night is predicted to give way to periods of mountain snow mixed with valley precipitation across the Northern Rockies.

A more impressive, snowy system will affect the region Wednesday, with more snow likely Friday and Saturday.

Through Saturday, the National Weather Service is predicting “abundant snow” above 4,000 feet through western Montana and across central Idaho.