HELENA, MT — Dangerous heat is building across Montana, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect in the east and Heat Advisories covering parts of central and western Montana. Forecasters say some areas could see temperatures climb from the upper 90s into the low 100s, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for people who do not take precautions.
Officials are urging residents to limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water and wear loose-fitting clothing. They are also asking people to use air conditioning carefully and cut back on electricity use as the heat is expected to put pressure on the power grid.
Storms Before the Heat
An isolated chance for showers and storms remains across the southern half of the state, but the threat is not expected to be severe. Those storms are most likely later in the day in southern Montana and should move east overnight.
Even with that storm chance, temperatures are expected to reach the 80s and, in some places, the 90s during the day before falling into the 50s and 60s at night.
Triple Digits Arrive Saturday
Saturday is expected to be the first day that triple-digit heat threatens much of Montana, and the hot pattern is forecast to hold for several days. The heat will be stronger in eastern Montana, where temperatures are expected to run highest.
The west side of the state should be a few degrees cooler, but still well above seasonal levels. Forecasters say the heat wave will affect a broad stretch of the state rather than staying locked into just one corner.
Sunday Looks Hottest
Sunday is forecast to be the peak of the heat, with several daily temperature records expected to fall. Forecasters also said some all-time temperature records could be broken, especially in eastern Montana, where readings may rise well into the triple digits.
That level of heat is what makes the warning especially serious, since prolonged exposure can quickly become dangerous for people without cooling, water or shade.
Heat Lingers Into Next Week
The heat is not expected to ease until the middle of next work week, when the high-pressure system over Montana moves east. Until then, forecasters say residents should stay alert and prepare for more days of extreme temperatures.
They also noted that severe weather could return once the heat wave breaks. For now, the focus remains on staying safe through what may be some of the hottest conditions ever recorded in parts of the state.
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