Bringing the heat: Soaring temps expected to hit 101 on Sunday
It looks like it’s going to be historically hot, with much of Northwest Montana under a heat advisory Saturday and Sunday.
In Kalispell, today is forecast to kick off a streak of 90-plus-degree days, including a few likely record-breakers.
As of press time, the National Weather Service had downgraded — but not by much — its maximum temperature predictions for the weekend.
Today is forecast to hit 94 degrees, just shy of the record of 95 set on June 26, 1926.
Saturday, however, is expected to reach 98 degrees, which would eclipse the previous record and break the all-time maximum for the month of June — 96 degrees on June 22, 1955.
At 2 p.m., Saturday a heat advisory will go into effect through 11 p.m. on Sunday.
The mercury could climb Sunday to 101 degrees. The daily record for June 28 was set in 2007 on a 92-degree day.
Monday could show some symbolic relief, with a forecast high of 95, which would tie that date’s 1979 record.
A slight chance of thundershowers is possible Sunday night through Monday night, which Weather Service meteorologist Bruce Bauck characterized as a mix of both wet and dry storms.
“It’s not good to have any lightning given how dry we are,” Bauck noted. “I think it will be spotty here and there, both valleys and mountains. Most [locations] won’t see any measurable rain out of it, but a few might get up to a tenth of an inch.”
The weather agency is calling for 92-degree highs Tuesday through Thursday. Not record-breakers, but not exactly a cold snap, either.
Libby is likely be even hotter. The area has the same heat advisory in effect on Saturday and Sunday, when temperatures are expected to soar to 102 and 105 degrees, respectively.
Today is forecast to hit 98. Next week, the Lincoln County town could stay at least in the upper 90s: 100 degrees on Monday; 96 degrees on Tuesday; 98 degrees on Wednesday and 99 degrees on Thursday.
The weather agency is forecasting a slight chance of thunderstorms through Monday.
Polson will also be under a heat advisory Saturday and Sunday, although with slightly less brutal conditions forecasted.
Today’s high of 93 is expected to be followed by a 97-degree Saturday with Sunday possibly reaching 100. Next week is predicted to remain in the 90s as well: 94 on Monday, 91 on Tuesday and 92 Wednesday and Thursday.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms through Monday.
The Weather Service recommends that those going outdoors during the high heat drink extra water, take frequent breaks and rest in the shade when needed. The advisory noted that places in central Idaho could reach 110 degrees on Sunday.
Reporter Samuel Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.