Stormy weather ahead

People planning outdoor activities Saturday should pay attention to a bout of unsettled weather predicted for Northwest Montana.

The National Weather Service on Friday warned of weather-related “interruptions to ongoing outdoor events/activities across Western Montana.”

Showers and thunderstorms, some including heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning, are predicted for the Kalispell area Saturday and Saturday night.

Most of the storm activity in Northwest Montana is predicted between 1 and 7 p.m. today. During that time there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation, according to the Weather Service.

The incoming storms will substantially cool things off, with today’s high forecast to be 78.

Sunday should be calmer with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and high of 81.

Areas south of the Flathead Valley are predicted to have more intense weather.

For example, the Weather Service said, “The Missoula Marathon and the population of people in Missoula over the weekend could be especially prone to thunderstorm-related impacts.”