The late summer rainstorm continues to bring benefits to Montana, albeit for a limited time. Most of the state has experienced an improvement in air quality from the weekend because of the storm. Central and southern areas have cleaned up completely and are currently at “good” air quality. The upper level wind pattern has also shifted, and is currently pushing smoke from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia out into the Pacific rather than over Montana. This will all change as a return to more typical August weather will happen the next few days. Wednesday will be sunny and warmer for the entire state. Highs will climb back into the 70s and 80s, with a few afternoon thunderstorms over south-central areas. There’s a slight chance for storms as far north as Helena out through Lewistown. Thursday will be a warm, windy day with elevated fire danger. Highs will be in the 80s to around 90 with west wind up to 20mph. Please be careful with the increasing fire danger. Friday, a cold front will move through the state with scattered thunderstorms, temperatures falling back into the 70s, but enough wind to increase the fire danger. Air quality will likely deteriorate as west wind blows smoke back across our sky. Saturday will be dry and comfortable, but Sunday will likely have a few thunderstorms popping in the afternoon and evening. This will be the next low pressure system to provide cooler temperatures and widespread rainfall, helping to clean the air and lower the fire danger. The start of the final week of August will be cool and wet.
Have a nice day!
Curtis Grevenitz
