2018’s hottest temperatures will be felt throughout Big Sky Country over the next few days. Not only will some record highs be set, the all-time hottest temperature for some towns could be challenged or even tied. Most of northern Montana is under a HEAT ADVISORY for Thursday and Friday. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued for most of northern and western Montana for Friday and Saturday afternoons. Fortunately, there is not a lot of wind in the forecast for Thursday. Highs will climb through the 90s into the low 100s for highs. Smoke from wildfires will continue to create air quality that is “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. Friday, a southerly flow will be enhanced across the state but also the West. This will result in likely the hottest day of the year for many locations, and again the hottest temperature ever recorded could be challenged. Highs for most towns will be between 100-105. Some locations along the Missouri River in northern Montana could come close to 110! Plan on finding ways to stay cool and hydrated. Heat stroke and exhaustion are possible in these conditions. An approaching cold front will slowly lead to a buildup of wind later Friday. Fire danger will be extremely high. The cold front slowly work through the state Saturday will low humidity, wind and still very hot temperatures in the 90s. Eastern Montana will climb to between 100-110 on Saturday afternoon. Sunday will be cooler with highs in the 80s and 90s, but a northwest wind up to 20mph will keep the fire danger very high. Please be careful with the heat but also the fire potential through the weekend.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
