A "Dirty" High Makes It Rain

The monsoon high got a little "dirty". Typically high pressures are associated with clear and dry conditions. When clouds or moisture gets wrapped into a high pressure, it is considered "dirty" in meteorological terms. Thank goodness that high is dirty because the rain that moved through Montana on Wednesday was beautiful. Many areas saw a nice, soaking rain. However these areas also saw numerous lightning strikes. Be on the lookout over the next couple of days for new wildfire starts from lightning holdouts. Scattered thunderstorms will once again develop on Thursday for most of central and northern Montana through the afternoon. Some of the storms could produce powerful wind in excess of 60mph. Highs will reach the 80s and 90s prior to any thunderstorm activity. Friday will be mostly sunny and dry with an afternoon breeze up to 20mph. With more sunshine and lower humidity, lightning holdovers could ignite new wildfires. This weekend will be hot, dry and breezy in the afternoons. A dry front will push through Saturday afternoon resulting in an increase in wind. Highs both days will be in the 90s. Monday will be hot again with isolated thunderstorms. A cool down is likely from Tuesday through the end of the week. Highs will dip back into the 70s and 80s.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist