THURSDAY: Red Flag/Fire Weather Warning for Montana

A good chunk of the entire state of Montana is under a Red Flag Warning with 'critical fire weather conditions'. 

• WHAT: Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions
• WHERE: (many counties are affected by Red Flag Warnings through at least Thursday evening) Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest, Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty, Hill and Blaine Counties, Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-Rocky Mountain Front, Chouteau and Fergus Counties and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas.
• WIND: across much of Montana, winds will continue between 15 mph and 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph through Thursday evening.
• Although mountains are still retaining some snowpack, the surrounding areas are prone to wildfires. Dry grasslands are of large concern with this warning.
• HUMIDITY: very low across the state. As of Thursday mid-day, humidity was as low as 16%
• The Bozeman area is not specifically included in this particular warning.

WHEN: This Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9pm on Thursday evening (4/1). Warm temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend so these warnings may be extended...

A Red Flag Warning simply means the conditions exist for fire weather. It's a serious weather issue because any fires that start, will be difficult to contain. Right now, across a large area of Montana, there are warm temperatures, very low humidity and very gusty winds.

Extreme caution should be used when recreating in rural areas. Be very careful with open flames of any kind and NEVER toss cigarettes out of car windows.