Scorcher days set new two records

Record-breaking temperatures have become the norm this summer in the Flathead Valley. Friday and Saturday were no exception.

It was a hot, breezy and dry Fourth of July as temperatures in Kalispell reached a high of 99 degrees at 6 p.m., wiping out the 2001 record of 95 degrees. Elsewhere in Northwest Montana, it was even warmer. Libby hit a scorching 103 and Polson 102.

On Friday, the temperature in Kalispell peaked at 97 degrees, breaking the 1922 record of 94 degrees.

This makes nine consecutive days of temperatures soaring at and above the 90s.Those hot temperatures and 30 straight days of no measurable precipitation have resulted in high fire danger

Sunday is expected to provide some relief with a predicted high of around 70 degrees, but gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms could increase the fire risk.