Southwest Montana to see near-record highs on July 10 and 11
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
This week, high temperatures will roast southwest Montana, approaching all-time records and creating danger for both heat-related illness and potential wildfire events.
On Monday morning, the National Weather Service predicted the “extreme heat wave” affecting the West Coast would continue in California and Oregon before shifting to Nevada’s Great Basin and Arizona later in the week. In those affected areas, NWS expects areas to see record high temperatures for both daytime and nighttime with 15- to 30-degree Fahrenheit anomalies presenting health and safety hazards.
Montana will avoid the worst of that Western heat wave, but the upper-level high pressure ridge will still be widespread, resulting in hot, sunny weather in southern Montana, according to Julianna Glinskas, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls.
“Basically, all of that is slowly moving in our direction,” she said.
NWS forecasts Bozeman will experience high temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit throughout this week of July 8, with the hottest days on Wednesday and Thursday, July 10 and 11.
Bozeman is forecasted to reach 97 degrees this Wednesday, just shy of Bozeman’s July 10 record of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, set in 1973.
For July 11, the record is 99 degrees, set in 2002. Bozeman is forecasted to reach 97 on Thursday.
“Now we’re getting to the actual brunt of summer,” Glinskas said.
In Big Sky, the higher elevation will take a few degrees off, with high temperatures predicted in the low 90s.
“That’s a little bit cooler, but not much. So still dealing with some of the issues with heat-related illness,” Glinskas said.
Health hazards and safety measures
Before this week, southwest Montana had generally experienced relatively wet and cool weather, Glinskas explained. With serious and prolonged heat in the forecast, people should be careful if they plan to be outdoors—especially visitors who may not be used to altitude and other unique aspects of Montana weather.
Glinskas said the main concern is heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and that people working or exercising outdoors may be the most vulnerable.
“Especially because this is kind of our main heat event for the year,” she added.
For those needing to spend time outside in the sunlight, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NWS recommends the public take four safety measures: hydrate by drinking water before feeling thirsty; wear lightweight and light-colored clothing; take frequent breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces; and avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Glinskas added that to ensure optimal hydration, people should avoid caffeine and alcohol, and drink water plus electrolyte supplements. She recommends wearing sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher when exposed to the sun.
The concerns will primarily impact people overexerting themselves while hiking or working outside, among other activities. Anyone spending time outside of air conditioning should be aware of signs of heat-related illness, and if necessary, move to a cooler area or indoors, or seek medical attention.
Heat-related illness can occur even in moderate heat, she said. The hottest days of the year warrant extra caution, especially with cumulative effects over nearly a week of extreme heat.
Thunderstorms could add fire risk
Glinskas added that the heat this week will increase the risk for wildland fire. The chance for thunderstorms is only slight, but the main concern is dry thunderstorms—lightning without enough moisture to cause heavy downpour.
“If we do get some of these thunderstorms popping up in southern Montana that could definitely exacerbate the situation a little bit,” she said.
As of Monday at 12:15 p.m., Glinskas sees a 10% chance for dry thunderstorms on Saturday, July 13, which will be closer to the tail end of the heat wave’s most extreme days.
It’s difficult to predict what will happen this weekend and beyond, but temperatures should return to low 90s and upper 80s for the foreseeable future, Glinskas said.
“It’s still going to be hot, but it’s not going to be the hottest part of this heat wave.”
