A return to normal February weather is expected beginning Tuesday as a winter storm surges over the northern Rockies.

The snow arrives with earnest Tuesday during the morning commute after a cold front blows into western Montana. Locations in the Flathead Valley could receive 2-4 inches of snow by the time the storm exits the region Tuesday night. Areas along the east shore of Flathead Lake could see higher storm totals in the 3-6 inches range.

The Flathead Valley has not had measurable snowfall since Jan. 28 when half an inch of snow was recorded at Glacier Park International Airport. Prior to that, the last measurable snow was Jan. 8.

Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain is on tap for a much-anticipated powder day with about a foot of new snow possible at the resort's summit. The highest peaks of the Swan Range could see up to 20 inches of snow.

A taste of arctic air follows the snowstorm with some of the coldest temperatures of the season expected in western Montana on Wednesday night. Single digits are likely in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and areas east of U.S. 93. Other locations will be in the teens.

"These cold mornings will warm up slightly toward the weekend but will persist through Saturday," according to the National Weather Service.

A chance of snow remains likely every day through the work week.

"Overall, we have shifted into a more active pattern with frequent storms and cooler temperatures," the Weather Service warned. "This trend is expected to last through the end of February."