GLASGOW, Mont. – Dangerous fire conditions are expected across parts of northeast and central Montana today, as the National Weather Service in Glasgow has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The warning includes southern Garfield and southern Petroleum Counties, as well as the Lower Missouri River Breaks and Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, where strong winds and very dry air will combine to create critical wildfire danger.
According to forecasters, northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will develop by late morning, while relative humidity drops near 20 percent. These conditions will cause any new or ongoing fires to spread rapidly, especially in areas of cured grass or open rangeland.
The NWS urges residents and land managers to avoid outdoor burning, postpone debris fires, and secure trailer chains or equipment that could spark fires. Fire crews in the region are on alert, as the gusty winds and low humidity will make containment efforts difficult through late afternoon.
Conditions should begin improving this evening as winds decrease and humidity rises slightly. Cooler, calmer weather is expected early in the week.
