A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for parts of Montana all the way through Friday. It’s the culmination of a very dry July, hot temperatures for the beginning of August, low humidity and an increase in wind from the west. Montana’s significant fires that are currently burning have exhibited little to no growth, but many smaller wildfires have started recently. Most of these fires have been suppressed by firefighters only because of their quick actions. The nature of these new fires have taken off quickly, so any additional sparks could show fast growth. Everyone should use extreme caution while recreating. Thursday will be very hot with highs up in the 90s for most towns. Humidity will be low, and afternoon winds will gust up to 20mph out of the west. A few isolated thunderstorms will pop over the southern mountains. Friday, a cold front will move through the state with little to no moisture. Stronger wind gusts of 30mph will accompany the front. Highs will be slightly cooler down in the 80s for western and central Montana, but 90s in the eastern prairies. Fire danger will be extreme on Friday. This weekend will offer a little relief from the extreme fire danger as highs cool down into the 70s to near 80, the wind dies down significantly, and the humidity rises. There will be an increase in thunderstorm activity on Sunday. Next week, a heat wave is likely toward the middle of the week with highs increasing to around 100. Fortunately right now, there does not appear to be much in the way of wind.
Be safe.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
