Another hot and hazy day is in store for Big Sky Country.
A RED FLAG (FIRE WEATHER) WARNING has been issued for most areas in Montana. Hot temperatures, breezy/ windy conditions, and low humidity will result in increased fire weather danger nearly statewide. Afternoon highs today will reach into the upper 80s and 90s. Friday, temperatures will cool slightly, but winds will pick up, which will keep fire weather danger high.
Haze will linger today, meaning air quality will continue to suffer. As of this morning, many locations in Montana are at the “Moderate” air quality level, and the capital city is at the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level.
July 2018 was very dry. Helena actually had its driest July on record, and many other locations had historically low amounts of precipitation. Moving into August, this dry spell means that conditions are favorable for fires to spark.
This afternoon, isolated thunderstorms will move through southern Montana, not bringing very much moisture. Friday will have a similar pattern, with isolated thunderstorms picking up in the afternoon and evening hours.
This weekend, temperatures will cool and winds will die down slightly, but by mid next week, the extreme heat will be back, with temperatures in the high 90s and triple digits!
