HELENA — Montana is in the thick of wildfire season with new fires and growth on existing fires. Although there has been a flurry of flames recently, the overall acreage burned to date is below average and pales in comparison to other states. Montana has nearly 15,000 acres burned so far this year and this number will increase over the next several weeks. A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for Friday as dangerous fire weather conditions will increase. More thunderstorms will produce lightning and erratic wind. Hail and heavy downpours are also likely with these storms. Highs will be hot in the 80s and 90s, and it could be one of the hottest days of the entire year when all is said and done. Southwest wind of 10-20mph will increase the fire danger as well. This weekend will start off with higher fire danger again on Saturday as highs will be near 90 and the wind will be up to 20mph out of the west. Thunderstorms will decrease but there still will be isolated boomers in the afternoon. Sunday will be a nicer summer's day with cooler highs in the 80s and less wind but still a few isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Next week will be very similar with isolated to scattered thunderstorms and highs in the 80s and 90s. Toward the second weekend of August there may be a cooler, wetter pattern shift that would be a welcome change of pace.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
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