Billings, MT – Montana residents have experienced a notably cooler and wetter second half of July, as a persistent weather pattern brought frequent thunderstorms and elevated humidity across much of the state. The US National Weather Service in Billings reports that this unusual pattern contributed to the most active July thunderstorm season in recent memory, with more storms forecast for today.
According to the US National Weather Service Billings Montana, data from July 15-31 shows a weak low-pressure system over the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies. This trough was stronger than typically observed for late July, and was paired with weaker high pressure to the east. The result was a consistent flow of moisture-laden air into the northern plains and Rockies, leading to above-average precipitation and notably humid conditions across Montana and neighboring states.
The agency issued 98 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings during the latter half of July for their coverage area—a record high for this period. Billings, in particular, recorded its coolest July since 2010. Meteorologists attribute the spike in thunderstorm activity to the southwest flow aloft, which delivered frequent storms and slightly cooler-than-average temperatures.
Elsewhere, the pattern produced very humid weather east of the Rocky Mountains and a suppressed, drier monsoon season for the Four Corners region. The Weather Service notes that these trends are supported by specific humidity and precipitation anomaly data, which showed above-normal moisture in Montana and well below-normal rainfall in the Southwest.
With storms expected to continue today, residents are advised to remain alert for weather updates and potential warnings.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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