Rejoice for the Rain

Montana's wildfire fortunes are about to change. Rain, clouds, cooler temperatures, higher humidity and a few thunderstorms will hit the state for the next several days. Rain showers and thunderstorms are already moving up into southwest Montana. While there will be some thunder and lightning, there will be more light to moderate rain showers. Rain and embedded thunderstorms will slowly spread northeast through tonight and Friday. Rain totals will range from a few 0.01's to about 0.25". It's not the heaviest, greatest rain but it will fall steadily which is exactly what is wanted with wildfires. Highs on Friday will be much cooler in the 70s and 80s, 50s and 60s in the mountains. Rain showers and thunderstorms will reach the Hi-Line by late in the day. Saturday will be a mostly cloudy day with scattered showers and thunderstorms. There is a greater likelihood of strong to severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Gusty, erratic winds are possible near these storms as they come close to wildfires but there will be significant and possibly heavy rainfall. Localized flooding is possible with these storms that could produce rainfall amounts of near 1.00". Saturday's highs will mainly be in the 70s, 50s and 60s in the mountains. Sunday will be another mostly cloudy, cool and showery day. There will be big thunderstorms in eastern Montana. Total precipitation from Thursday night through Sunday will likely range from 0.20" and 1.50" across most of Montana. This is a beautiful and beneficial rain. The rain will dry out and temperatures will warm back up next week, but highs will be in the 80s as opposed to the 90s over the last several days.
Have a good day.
Curtis Grevenitz