Red Flag Warning in the Area for Heat and Thunderstorms

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for western Montana due to very hot temperatures and the risk of thunderstorms in the area.

Meteorologist Jen Kitzmiller said the warning will be in effect until late Friday night.

“We’re going to have a dry front move through today,” said Kitzmiller. “That’s going to be increasing our winds, and with how hot and dry its been, the combination is leading to some increased fire danger.”

Kitzmiller said the weather patterns also indicate a chance of thunderstorms in the area.

“Another concern is that we’re expecting some scattered thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, and those will have the potential to have some frequent lightning and also to produce some strong gusty winds, as well,” she said. “With all the pieces together it makes it a ‘watch-out’ day especially for our firefighters out across the region.”

The Red Flag warning is scheduled to end at midnight on Friday.