A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for most of northern and central Montana for Friday afternoon and evening.
The worst wildfire potential of the year thus far is likely on Friday. Thursday's thunderstorms will continue into the night. A cold front will push across the state on Friday morning with cooler temperatures but a LOT of wind. Strong wind and low humidity will create the dangerous fire weather conditions. Wind gusts could top out around 30-40mph with humidty between 12%-20%. Please do everything you can to prevent starting fires. If a wildfire were to start, these weather conditions would allow for rapid growth. Saturday will have similar conditions as another front pushes through the state. While highs will be in the 70s and 80s, there will be gusty wind and low humidity again. Sunday will be a refreshing day with highs in the 70s to around 80 under sunny skies. The wind will not be as bad with an afternoon breeze up to 15mph. Overnight lows the next few nights will be in the 40s and 50s...very nice. Next week temperatures will warm back into the 80s and low 90s. There will be a few isolated thunderstorms between Tuesday and Thursday. Montana is entering the peak of fire season. Please be careful.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
