Heat sets records

July opened with record high temperatures across Northwest Montana.

Kalispell reached 96 degrees on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 92 for July 1 set in 1987, while West Glacier’s 95 reading surpassed by one degree the previous mark set in 2008.

Eureka also set a record with 97 degrees Monday. The previous record was 96 in 2008.

Missoula’s high soared to 99 degrees Monday, just short of the record 100 for that date.

After today, the heat wave is expected to lessen, according to Weather Service forecasts.

The high today in Kalispell is predicted to be 90 degrees, followed by forecast highs of 87 degrees on Thursday and 82 degrees Friday and Saturday.