Scattered Severe Storms Tonight Before Weekend Triple‑Digit Heat and Elevated Fire Risk

Short‑lived storms will give way to a strong heat ridge that raises fire danger and will be broken by a weak front early next week.

Overview

A few scattered but potentially severe thunderstorms are possible across southeast Montana this evening, with gusts up to about 65 mph, torrential rain, frequent lightning, and isolated hail.
A moist southwest flow and embedded disturbances will keep scattered storms possible through Thursday with storm coverage tapering by Friday as the atmosphere stabilizes.
A strong thermal ridge is forecast to build for Saturday, pushing many locations above 100°F and giving the Yellowstone Valley the best chance to reach 105°F or higher.
Very dry air and low humidity during the hot period have prompted Fire Weather Watches in parts of Montana and raise the risk of rapid fire growth if ignition occurs.
A disturbance and a weak cold front late in the weekend should break the ridge and bring breezier conditions and cooler highs near the lower 80s early next week, with smoke extent able to reduce peak temperatures so residents should monitor local NWS and SPC updates.