Key Facts
- Record lows
- Great Falls and Havre set new record lows on Tuesday
- Air quality alert
- In effect for parts of Montana west of the Continental Divide
- Fire weather watch
- Issued for Thursday afternoon and evening for northeast Montana
- Current air quality
- GOOD to MODERATE for most of Montana
- Forecast highs
- 80s and low 90s for Thursday through Sunday
Background
Montana experienced a notable cold snap on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from the 20s, 30s, and 40s across most of the state. Some areas set new record lows, including Great Falls and Havre, and parts of Montana saw freezing temperatures just days after the worst wildfire danger of the summer so far.
The chill offered a brief respite from a period of intense heat and fire risk. According to Chief Meteorologist Curtis Grevenitz, the weather should be somewhat cooler than the last three weeks, though he noted that there is still a lot of summer left.
Current Situation
An air quality alert is in effect for parts of Montana west of the Continental Divide, while a fire weather watch has been issued for Thursday afternoon and evening for northeast Montana. Air quality is currently 'GOOD' to 'MODERATE' for most of the state.
Wednesday is expected to return to normal with sunshine and highs in the 80s. However, air quality is forecast to slowly deteriorate later this week as smoke works back into Montana, especially on Thursday. Thursday will be a warm summer day with highs in the 80s and low 90s, with stronger winds across northeast Montana.
| Day | Highs | Wind | Fire Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 80s | Not specified | Not specified |
| Thursday | 80s and low 90s | Stronger across northeast Montana | Fire weather watch |
| Friday | 80s and 90s | Gusting up to 25-30 mph | Higher fire danger |
| Saturday | 80s and low 90s | Easing | Not specified |
| Sunday | 80s to near 90 | Not specified | Not specified |
Impacts
The fire weather watch in northeast Montana is due to stronger winds, which could increase fire danger. Friday is expected to be hot and breezy with higher fire danger, and it is likely that some of Montana's wildfires will grow and emit more smoke.
Residents may experience gusty winds up to 25-30 mph on Friday afternoon, with highs in the 80s and 90s. Saturday will remain hot with highs in the 80s and low 90s, but winds are expected to ease. Sunday will be partly cloudy with highs in the 80s to near 90.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to be somewhat cooler than the last three weeks, but there is still a lot of summer left. The worst heat and fire danger may be behind us, but this is not certain.
If the fire weather watch materializes and winds remain strong, wildfire growth and smoke could affect air quality further. Conversely, if conditions remain cooler, the state may see a more moderate end to the summer. However, these are possibilities, not certainties.
Source: ktvh.com
