Most of Montana Under Red Flag Warning Wednesday
Almost every county in Montana is experiencing dangerous fire conditions through at least Wednesday. Red Flag Warnings continue for most counties.
According to the National Weather Service:
- RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM WEDNESDAY TO MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.
- IMPACTS: Low humidity, hot temperatures, strong gusty winds, and isolated mainly dry thunderstorms will create erratic fire behavior and could start new fires.
- AFFECTED AREA: In North Central WY Fire Zones...274...284. In South Central MT Fire Zones...123...124...125...126...127 128...129. In Southeast MT Fire Zones...130...131...132. (Please note the fire zone map below for reference)
- COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central MT...Golden Valley...Musselshell...Wheatland. In North Central WY...Big Horn...Johnson...Sheridan...Washakie. In South Central MT...Big Horn...Carbon...Park...Stillwater Sweet Grass...Yellowstone. In Southeast MT...Custer...Powder River...Rosebud...Treasure. In Southwest MT...Gallatin.
- WIND: Southwest to West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Strongest winds will be along and near the foothills.
- THUNDERSTORMS: Isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms could produce erratic wind gusts. Rainfall will be spotty and light.
- HUMIDITY: Minimum readings from 8 to 16 percent.
- TEMPERATURES: 90 to 100 degrees.
- A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
It is extremely important this time of year to be careful when in the back country. Even when Red Flag Warnings are not in effect, we are susceptible to wildfires this time of year.
Avoid building fires even in "safe" fire rings if they're not absolutely needed. Avoid smoking and always carry safety equipment when camping or hiking.