Triple-digit temperatures to roast Western Montana this weekend
Laurel Sugden paddleboards with her dog Quka at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork on Wednesday, June 28. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
The hottest temperatures of the summer are set to bake Northwest Montana this weekend, with some low lying areas likely hitting triple digits for the first time this year.
“Be prepared that summer is really bringing its best punch at us,” said meteorologist Dan Borsum during a fire weather briefing Wednesday morning.
A heat wave roasting the desert Southwest will migrate over the northern Rocky Mountains beginning this weekend. Missoula has a 60% chance of hitting the low 100s, while Libby has a 40% chance of reaching triple digits.
Kalispell and the Flathead Valley will likely top out in the mid 90s, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula.
People recreating or working outside are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heat exertion, and to not leave pets or children unattended in a vehicle.
Kalispell's maximum temperature so far this year is 92, recorded on July 9 and again on July 16.
Borsum said this weekend's abrupt heat could shock forest fuels into dormancy and up the wildfire danger.
“The landscape is changing,” he said about Northwest Montana's drought stricken areas getting even drier this week.
The fire danger Wednesday was rated as high for the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park, but there were no fire restrictions in place. Fire danger on the Kootenai Forest was rated very high.
A new wildfire start at Red Meadow in the northern Whitefish Range was detected overnight Wednesday, with initial estimates putting the fire at 1.5 acres. Forest Service fire crews were dispatched to the area.
Northwest Montana air quality was generally good Wednesday, although some areas were impacted by smoke from Canadian wildfires. Libby took the brunt of the smoke, with air quality rated as moderate.