A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued for the Hi-Line from East Glacier to Joplin for Friday afternoon.
Strong to severe storms have blasted through parts of Montana on Thursday afternoon and evening. While storms produced powerful wind and hail, abundant rain has also occurred. So much rain fell in the Great Falls area that a FLOOD ADVISORY was issued after nearly 1" fell in less than 30 minutes. The rain at this time of year is worth its weight in gold. Hopefully the rain fell on each and every lightning strike, which there were plenty of also. Showers and thunderstorms will gradually diminish through the overnight. Friday will have a few isolated thunderstorms in central and southern Montana, generally south of a line from Helena to Lewistown. A gusty west wind will develop across the state. The combination of wind and low humidity off of the Rocky Mountain Front and out the Hi-Line will create elevated fire danger there, so please be careful. Most of the state will be warm with highs in the 80s to around 90. Saturday will be a beautiful, refreshing summer day. Highs will be in the 70s and low 80s. A few isolated thunderstorms will pop through central and eastern sections of the state, but most areas will be dry. An afternoon increase in the wind will simultaneously increase the fire danger. A cooler airmass will infiltrate the state Saturday night with most towns dropping into the 40s for lows. Sunday will be sunny and warm with light wind for much of the state. Highs will generally be in the 80s. Next week will have another rise in temperatures into the 90s. A few thunderstorms are possible Tuesday through Thursday, but the final week of July will likely be typically hot.
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
