BOZEMAN – So far this summer fire concerns have been low thanks to several cool storms and higher humidity. However, that is about to change.
The next weather maker is a mostly dry cold front to arrive Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Ahead of this front, the flow aloft will become very strong out of the SW and that should push temperatures up into the mid-80s to lower 90s Friday afternoon.
Surface winds will begin to increase by Friday afternoon with sustained westerly winds 15 to 25 mph and occasional gusts over 30 mph.
Relative humidity will also be very low under 20%.
Thunderstorms are possible with the front, but most forecast models show only isolated thunderstorms are likely Friday afternoon.
These factors have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a RED FLAG WARNING for SW Montana from Noon to 8 pm Friday.
The Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest is the area of greatest concern, but even lower valleys will see higher fire danger Friday.
Complicating the fire weather threat is the growing drought in SW Montana east of the divide. The latest updated drought monitor continues to show a broad area of “severe” drought conditions between Dillon and Bozeman.
Only 2.17% of the state is under “severe” drought conditions but it makes up a large area of SW Montana.
During Red Flag Warning events you need to use extreme caution with all outdoor activities.
