A few dry thunderstorms popped up late yesterday evening which kept firefighters busy in some places, especially in Yellowstone County, where a few small grass fires were started by lightning. The added smoke from those small fires, combined with smoke “hanging around” from other large fires in the region, allowed particulate concentrations in Billings to rise a little bit today. The 24-hour average concentration is currently at MODERATE, though at any given hour, air quality has been GOOD. Similar conditions exist through much of southeastern and south-central Montana, as several, fairly small fires continue to burn uncontained. Air quality between Butte and Bozeman should be MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Everywhere else, air quality is GOOD.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for southeastern Montana tonight. A weak weather system and cold front are passing across eastern Montana today. The most noticeable effect is a wind shift from the southwest to the northwest behind the front. Visible satellite image (below) shows minor smoke produced in southeast Montana, but also shows that ahead of the cold front, transport winds are weak and the smoke is mostly spreading out in the region. By Saturday, transport winds will be mostly from the west and southwest. Temperatures will warm up and relative humidities will drop to critical fire levels across much of southern Montana in the afternoon. During this time, afternoon winds will also become breezy. On Sunday, a low pressure system will start to pass across the state. The atmosphere will be fairly moist and unstable, so more thunderstorms will be possible. Winds will also be strong along the frontal boundary. Only northwestern and far eastern parts of the state should see rain, but there is still a chance for some quick rain showers across central Montana where rain is much needed.
With increased fire danger and persistent dryness, fire activity will be monitored to keep up-to-date on smoke and air quality impacts.
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A few small fires popped up late last night as some dry thunderstorms moved across the southern half of the state. Fire weather will be an issue this afternoon as well as Saturday, as it remains dry, hot, and breezy at times. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for southeastern Montana tonight, and more may be issued this weekend. A weather system and cold front will pass late Sunday into Monday, but gusty winds will again cause problems for existing fires. Aside from a chance of rain and thunderstorms Sunday night, and a very slight chance on Tuesday, the long-term forecast looks dry. |