(C) Daily Montanan This story was originally published by Daily Montanan and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Hot temperatures in Montana this week will set records, increase wildfire danger – Daily Montanan [1] ['Aislin Tweedy', 'More From Author', '- August'] Date: 2023-08-15 Hot temperatures in Montana this week will set records, increase wildfire danger Hot temperatures in Montana this week will set records, increase wildfire danger by Aislin Tweedy, Daily Montanan August 15, 2023 The Treasure State will break temperature records in a heat wave this week, with days in the high 90s and even triple digits anticipated across the state. Missoula and Kalispell are predicted to see record-breaking high temperatures, up to 101 degrees, with cities like Butte and Billings also expecting above-average temperatures. Experts recommend Montanans, especially those older or more vulnerable, to stay cool indoors. Weather professionals also said rising temperatures and expected dry conditions could lead to elevated fire weather conditions. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Shive told the Daily Montanan temperatures in Missoula are expected to be more than 100 degrees a few times this week. He said although it’s gotten that hot in the Garden City already this year, the prolonged high temperatures as well as warmer overnight periods are what make this heat different. Shive said the National Weather Service forecast Missoula will see a high of 101 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the previous high record being 98 degrees. Kalispell is expected to see their record-breaking high temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, with the highest temperature forecasted at 97 degrees. Butte is also expected to see temperatures in the 90s this week, with the high of 93 degrees expected on Thursday. “It looks like Butte will also have close to a record high forecast. It’s usually a little cooler down there,” Shive said. “It is pretty widespread across western Montana, north central Idaho, that we’re going to be threatening records.” Shive said with the rising temperatures and the dry spell coming, the Missoula area could see elevated fire weather conditions again after a few days of cool temperatures and precipitation. However, Shive said cooler temperatures are expected on Saturday and Sunday evening with potential for thunderstorms. “Even though people see these temperatures in the summer, and the prolonged event with a few days of the heat and warmer overnight periods, it’s important to take those safety precautions that we talk about,” said Shive. “Getting some rest and air conditioning, shade, and certainly not leaving anybody or any pets and vehicles without AC running.” Eastern Montana will be pummeled with heat as well, with Billings expected to see near 100 degree temperatures Thursday and Friday, according to Billings National Weather Service Meteorologist Julie Arthur. But like in Missoula, there’s an expected cool down on Saturday and Sunday, even with a high of 90 degrees in the forecast. Arthur said the Billings Weather Service isn’t monitoring any fires now, but noted it’s going to be hot, dry and breezy this week. “And that can make the grasses dry out more and make them more susceptible to any human-caused fire, but we’re not really looking at lightning as being as big a threat this week,” she said. There’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in Billings on Saturday and Sunday evening, Arthur said, which could help cool things down in the Magic City. Billings is forecasted to break a high temperature record on Tuesday at 99 degrees, although Arthur said 100 degrees is common for the area. Arthur also pushed for the people living in Billings to stay inside with air conditioning if possible, and be sure not to leave any elderly people, children or pets in cars. “Drink plenty of water because even if you’re not thirsty, you may still be getting dehydrated, and to protect yourself from the sun,” said Arthur. Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. [END] --- [1] Url: https://dailymontanan.com/2023/08/15/hot-temperatures-in-montana-this-week-will-set-records-increase-wildfire-danger/ Published and (C) by Daily Montanan Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/montanan/