Potential record-breaking heat on the way to western Montana
Potentially dangerous and possibly record-breaking warm weather is headed to western Montana this weekend.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service Office in Missoula issued a heat advisory from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s are expected for a wide swath of western Montana stretching from the Canadian border down through the Flathead, Missoula and Bitterroot valleys.
NWS Meteorologist Jennifer Kitzmiller, based in Missoula, said seeing temperatures in the 90s this early in the year was atypical. Anaconda, Eureka, Libby and Phillipsburg are some of the places that could approach their daily high record mark, if not break it.
'We're looking at setting records for daily high temperatures tomorrow and a lot of places in western Montana,' Kitzmiller said. 'And previous records date back to 1986 … we haven't seen temperatures this warm, this time of year, for like 40 years.'
The heat is being driven by a strong ridge of high pressure in the West, according to a NWS national report. Temperatures are expected to dip back down on Sunday.
'It's not going to be hugely different, but it'll cool us back down,' Kitzmiller said.
The weather service also issued some recommendations, including drinking plenty of water and staying out of direct sunlight.
Warm weather also draws people to bodies of water, especially on a weekend, which can add a degree of danger. May 24 was particularly deadly as a woman drowned near Missoula near Maclay Bridge and a kayaker died near Craig. Additionally, a 68-year old Missoula man last seen on Wednesday is presumed to have drowned near the Lochsa River in Idaho.
Lifevests should always be worn when on or in the water, and a close eye should be kept on children. Additionally, alcohol can enhance hypothermia, and cold water can make even experienced swimmers lose muscle control.
'The rivers and streams are still running fast and cold,' Kitzmiller said. 'And there's that extra threat, despite the warm temperatures, for hypothermia.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC News
an hour ago
- NBC News
Heat and humidity to grip New York City as another sweaty summer week kicks off
New Yorkers should prepare for another high electricity bill next month as another wave of heat and humidity is set to envelop the city this week. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for New York City on Monday and Tuesday that warned of heat index values up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. "These conditions are dangerous to health," the Notify NYC alert said. The people most at risk are those without air conditioning, people with chronic health conditions and people who work outside. The heat will begin to build overnight Sunday into early Monday morning and will continue until at least Wednesday, with heat advisories in place for the next three days, the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion. Heat advisories are also in place for New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the NWS said. Heat indices in South Jersey, near Philadelphia, are expected to reach from 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit, with potential to be higher, a NWS area discussion from Mt. Holly, New Jersey, said. Boston — also under a heat advisory — is expected to face heat indices in the mid to upper 90s, according to the NWS. On Monday, the heat will seep into the south, too, with potential temperature records in Gainesville, Florida; Denver; New Orleans and Charlotte. A cold front will move in Wednesday night, bringing with it possible showers, to break up the hot start to the week, the NWS discussion said. In total, 123 million are under heat alerts through the first half of the week, with some alerts in effect through at least Wednesday. The heat was taking hold over the Plains and Southeast U.S. Sunday, with conditions feeling like 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Forecasters Warn of Enhanced Risks for Severe Storms in Midwest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans are under a warning for enhanced risk of severe storms across the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes on Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) said on Sunday. Newsweek has reached out to the NWS via email Sunday during non-working hours for more Infromation. Why It Matters In recent months, severe storms have battered communities across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and neighboring states. In addition, severe weather outbreaks can disrupt critical infrastructure and cause widespread damage during the heart of summer. Enhanced risk warnings, as issued by the NWS, signal conditions that could produce major thunderstorm hazards and tornadoes, underscoring the importance for communities and emergency responders across the region. Recent storm events have already resulted in property damage, power outages, and disrupted everyday life for thousands, making continued vigilance crucial. What To Know "Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening across parts of the Upper Midwest to western Great Lakes," the alert from NWS and SPC said. "Other severe storms will also be possible in parts of the northern Plains, central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic." Severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, and the potential for isolated tornadoes are expected throughout the region, the NWS added. The SPC warned of hazards including scattered damaging winds as well as the possibility of isolated tornadoes as storm systems traverse the region. Residents were urged to stay alert for fast-changing weather conditions and to monitor local weather alerts. "Given the strong buoyancy near/south of the front, and very steep lapse rates/elevated mixed layer impinging from the west-southwest, modestly strong wind profiles will be sufficient for intense supercell development with initial storms, including large hail potential (higher magnitudes possible especially eastern South Dakotas and southwest Minnesota) and some tornado risk," the forecast read. It added: Multiple southeastward-moving clusters should evolve this evening with an increasing likelihood of damaging wind across southern Minnesota into western/northern Wisconsin. Portions of the region have been upgraded to an enhanced risk." The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions. The Storm Prediction Center forecasts hazardous weather conditions. Storm Prediction Center/National Weather Service What Happens Next? The NWS continues to closely monitor storm developments in the Upper Midwest and other at-risk regions, providing real-time alerts and forecasts through its SPC and local offices. Residents have been advised to review their emergency plans, secure outdoor property, and stay abreast of updated warnings as weather conditions evolve. The potential for additional severe weather—including more tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail—remains elevated as storm systems continue to pass through the central United States.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
NYC air quality plummets as Canadian wildfire smoke invades US — and more bad air is on the way
New Yorkers were hit with a second day of hazy weather and bad air on Sunday — and more is on the way for this coming week, forecasters warned. The culprit is Canadian wildfires — with more than 550 active blazes in the province of Manitoba alone, and 15 million acres have already been burned across the country. Some of that smoke is starting to drift over the Northeastern US. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached reached warning levels on Sunday — hanging out consistently above 100 — meaning the elderly, people with respiratory problems and other vulnerable groups should limit time the outdoors. 3 A haze hung over the Big Apple on Sunday. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post Experts have said that while conditions may improve later on Sunday, the coming days could bring even more problems — especially as the heat becomes oppressive. 'While it may improve a little bit later on today or tonight, I think the air quality could go back down again beginning Tuesday and perhaps into Wednesday,' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines told The Post. He added: 'The big thing is if you've got health issues that could be affected by the poor air quality, like asthma or other respiratory issues, then definitely take it easy.' With a heat advisory warning issued for many parts of the Northeast including New York City from Monday, as the heat index could hit 105, this could exacerbate the air quality issues. New Yorkers were already starting to feel the effects. 'The air does feel a bit heavier. We won't be out as long today as we normally are because of the haziness in the air quality,' Omri Ayalon, 42, a Carroll Gardens resident out with his 9-year-old son, told The Post. 3 Canadian wildfires are triggering air quality warnings in much of the Northeast. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources/AFP via Getty Images 'I felt weird this morning. Light-headed, nauseated to be honest and a little bit dizzy,' Brooklynite Nehemiah Bounds, 27, said. 'I'm going to try to do my daily workout routine indoors tomorrow. I'm definitely feeling the difference today in air quality.' Eray Akil, 38, who was out in the park with his wife and young son, described how it felt like having 'allergies' being outside. 3 Poor quality air can cause issues for sensitive groups. Robert Miller 'I feel like I have allergies today, my son too. Nose is running, a little light headache,' he said. The worst air in the NYC area on Sunday was recorded in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with an AQI of 133, and outside Flushing Park in Queens, with a AQI of 132. Anything above 150 is considered unhealthy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Evidence of the smoke pollution was easy for everyone to see. The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building were barely visible from Brooklyn Bridge Park, due to the hazy conditions for much of the day. Kines, the meteorologist, said said that even after this week, more smoke cold invade the northeast. 'This probably won't be the last of it. There's still fires burning up in Canada,' he said.
