Helena, MT – Montana residents should prepare for elevated fire-weather conditions on Thursday as an upper-level trough moves eastward across the region. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has forecasted isolated dry thunderstorms, which could potentially ignite wildfires in receptive fuel areas.
According to the NWS, the combination of wet and dry thunderstorms creates uncertainty about the extent of the fire risk. Elevated fire-weather conditions are expected to occur primarily in the southern Cascades and the northern Great Plains, impacting areas across northern Montana.
Residents in Montana should remain vigilant, especially in areas with dry fuels. Strong southerly winds and hot, dry boundary layer profiles are expected to persist throughout the afternoon and into the evening, heightening the wildfire risk. The NWS advises staying informed about weather updates and taking necessary precautions to mitigate fire risks.
