Alert archive / Montana / Red Flag Warnings in 2011

Red Flag Warning 9, NWS Billings, MT

September 30, 201117 counties in Montana; 4 counties in Wyoming

NWS Billings, MT issued this red flag warning at Sep 30, 2011, 4:04 AM MDT for 17 counties in Montana; 4 counties in Wyoming. It took effect at Oct 1, 2011, 10:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 11 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Sep 30, 2011, 4:04 AM MDT (10:04 UTC)
In effect from
Oct 1, 2011, 10:00 AM MDT
Expired
Oct 1, 2011, 9:11 PM MDT
In force
11 hr
Issued by
NWS Billings, MT
All 21 counties

Big Horn County, MT, Carbon County, MT, Carter County, MT, Custer County, MT, Fallon County, MT, Gallatin County, MT, Golden Valley County, MT, Madison County, MT, Musselshell County, MT, Park County, MT, Powder River County, MT, Rosebud County, MT, Stillwater County, MT, Sweet Grass County, MT, Treasure County, MT, Wheatland County, MT, Yellowstone County, MT, Big Horn County, WY, Johnson County, WY, Sheridan County, WY, Washakie County, WY

The radar

The Billings radar (KBLX), 55 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:03 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Oct 1, 6:25 PM MDTTSTM WND DMG10 S Roundup, MTLARGE 10 X 20 FT HORSE SHED DESTROYED BY WINDS.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Riverton, WY (KRIW), launched 00:00Z, 10.1 hours before the alert went out and 279 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Riverton, WY at 00:00Z on 2011-09-30Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Riverton, WY at 00:00Z on 2011-09-30The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 45 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
2467 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
20 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
45 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
99 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

734 
WWUS85 KBYZ 301004
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
404 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

MTZ124-125-302200-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.110930T1800Z-111001T0300Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
404 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND GUSTY 
WEST WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND A CHANCE OF A
THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125

* IMPACTS...HOT AND DRY AIR WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE AREA TODAY
  AND CONTINUE ON SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE
  WITH GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH TODAY AND SATURDAY.

* WIND...WEST TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 25 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...UPPER 80S TODAY AND NEAR 90 SATURDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-302200-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.110930T1800Z-111001T0300Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
404 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE 
DIVIDE AND BELOW 6 THOUSAND FEET ...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND A CHANCE OF A
THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE DIVIDE
AND BELOW 6 THOUSAND FEET...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* LOCATION...FOR AREAS EAST OF THE DIVIDE AND BELOW 6000 FEET. 
  THE WARNING DOES NOT INCLUDE GALLATIN COUNTY PORTIONS OF FIRE 
  ZONE 123. 

* IMPACTS...HOT AND DRY AIR WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE AREA TODAY
  AND CONTINUE ON SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE
  WITH GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH TODAY AND SATURDAY.

* WIND...WEST TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...MID TO UPPER 80S TODAY AND NEAR 90 SATURDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ127>133-WYZ274-284-302200-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
404 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...STRONG
GUSTY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND 
A CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL 
OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA...PARTS OF NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS 
OF NORTH CENTRAL WYOMING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...127...128...129...130
                                            131...132...133 
                  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...RECORD SETTING HEAT WITH HUMIDITIES IN THE 8 TO 14
  PERCENT RANGE WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH WINDS TO CREATE
  DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF A
  THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY ALONG WITH A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT
  TO MAKE CONDITIONS DANGEROUS FOR FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS.

* COLD FRONT...EXPECTED TO CROSS THE AREA SATURDAY EVENING AND
  SWITCH WINDS TO THE NORTHWEST.

* WIND...SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 10 TO 20 MPH
  WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH SATURDAY AFTERNOON. WINDS WILL SWITCH TO
  THE NORTHWEST ONCE THE FRONT GOES THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING.

* THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORM WITH LITTLE RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS SATURDAY EVENING.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 14 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...UPPER 80S TO MID 90S WHICH WILL BE AROUND RECORD
  LEVELS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
6 follow-up statements
045 
WWUS85 KBYZ 301054 CCA
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
445 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

MTZ124-125-302245-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.110930T1800Z-111001T0300Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
445 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND GUSTY 
WEST WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND A CHANCE OF A
THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125

* IMPACTS...HOT AND DRY AIR WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE AREA TODAY
  AND CONTINUE ON SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE
  WITH GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH TODAY AND SATURDAY.

* WIND...WEST TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 25 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...UPPER 80S TODAY AND NEAR 90 SATURDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-302245-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.COR.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.COR.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.110930T1800Z-111001T0300Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
445 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE 
DIVIDE AND BELOW 6 THOUSAND FEET ...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND A CHANCE OF A
THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE DIVIDE
AND BELOW 6 THOUSAND FEET...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* LOCATION...FOR AREAS EAST OF THE DIVIDE AND BELOW 6000 FEET.

* IMPACTS...HOT AND DRY AIR WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE AREA TODAY
  AND CONTINUE ON SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE
  WITH GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH TODAY AND SATURDAY.

* WIND...WEST TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...MID TO UPPER 80S TODAY AND NEAR 90 SATURDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ127>133-WYZ274-284-302245-
/O.UPG.KBYZ.FW.A.0003.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
445 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...STRONG
GUSTY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS...A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT AND 
A CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL 
OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA...PARTS OF NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS 
OF NORTH CENTRAL WYOMING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT
SATURDAY NIGHT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...127...128...129...130
                                            131...132...133 
                  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...RECORD SETTING HEAT WITH HUMIDITIES IN THE 8 TO 14
  PERCENT RANGE WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH WINDS TO CREATE
  DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF A
  THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY ALONG WITH A WIND SHIFT WITH A COLD FRONT
  TO MAKE CONDITIONS DANGEROUS FOR FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS.

* COLD FRONT...EXPECTED TO CROSS THE AREA SATURDAY EVENING AND
  SWITCH WINDS TO THE NORTHWEST.

* WIND...SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 10 TO 20 MPH
  WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH SATURDAY AFTERNOON. WINDS WILL SWITCH TO
  THE NORTHWEST ONCE THE FRONT GOES THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING.

* THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORM WITH LITTLE RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS SATURDAY EVENING.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 14 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...UPPER 80S TO MID 90S WHICH WILL BE AROUND RECORD
  LEVELS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
460 
WWUS85 KBYZ 302108
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
308 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

MTZ124-125-010915-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-111001T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
308 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS
FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR 
PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL REMAIN OVER THE AREA THROUGH
  SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIR MASS WILL COMBINE WITH GUSTY WEST
  TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE CONDITIONS THIS
  EVENING AND AGAIN SATURDAY. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE
  LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-010915-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-111001T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
308 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS
FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE DIVIDE AND BELOW 6 
THOUSAND FEET...

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR 
PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL MOVE REMAIN OVER THE AREA
  THROUGH SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIR MASS WILL COMBINE WITH
  GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH THIS EVENING AND AGAIN SATURDAY. ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ127>133-WYZ274-284-010915-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
308 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR 
PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA...PARTS OF 
NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS OF NORTH CENTRAL WYOMING...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...127...128...129...130
                                            131...132...133
                  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...RECORD SETTING HEAT WITH HUMIDITIES IN THE 8 TO 14
  PERCENT RANGE WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH WINDS TO CREATE
  DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF A
  THUNDERSTORM LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTH 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 14 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
150 
WWUS85 KBYZ 010305
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
905 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

MTZ124-125-011515-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-111001T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
905 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
MONTANA...
...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THIS EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE RED
FLAG WARNING FOR THIS EVENING. THE RED FLAG WARNING FOR SATURDAY
FROM 10 AM TO MIDNIGHT REMAINS IN EFFECT. 

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL REMAIN OVER THE AREA THROUGH
  SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIR MASS WILL COMBINE WITH GUSTY WEST
  TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE CONDITIONS THIS
  EVENING AND AGAIN SATURDAY. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE
  LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO LOWER 90S.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-011515-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-111001T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
905 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
MONTANA...
...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THIS EVENING.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE RED
FLAG WARNING FOR THIS EVENING. THE RED FLAG WARNING FOR SATURDAY
FROM 10 AM TO MIDNIGHT REMAINS IN EFFECT. 

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL MOVE REMAIN OVER THE AREA
  THROUGH SATURDAY. THIS HOT AND DRY AIR MASS WILL COMBINE WITH
  GUSTY WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE
  CONDITIONS BOTH THIS EVENING AND AGAIN SATURDAY. ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ127>133-WYZ274-284-011515-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
905 PM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO
MIDNIGHT MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT
TEMPERATURES...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS...AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS
FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA...
PARTS OF NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS OF NORTH CENTRAL
WYOMING...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...127...128...129...130
                                            131...132...133
                  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...RECORD SETTING HEAT WITH HUMIDITIES IN THE 8 TO 14
  PERCENT RANGE WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH WINDS TO CREATE
  DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF A
  THUNDERSTORM LATE SATURDAY.

* WIND...SOUTH 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 14 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS SATURDAY IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
452 
WWUS85 KBYZ 010944
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
344 AM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

MTZ124-125-127>133-WYZ274-284-012200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
344 AM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...
AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR MOST OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL OF
SOUTHEAST MONTANA...PARTS OF NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS OF
NORTH CENTRAL WYOMING...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125...127...128
                                            129...130...131...132
                                            133
                  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...RECORD SETTING HEAT WITH HUMIDITIES IN THE 8 TO 13
  PERCENT RANGE WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH WINDS TO CREATE
  DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF A
  THUNDERSTORM LATE AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING.

* WIND...SOUTH 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 13 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...RECORD SETTING HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S TO MID 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-012200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.111001T1600Z-111002T0600Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
344 AM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND
STRONG GUSTY WINDS FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA EAST OF THE 
DIVIDE AND BELOW 6 THOUSAND FEET...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL REMAIN OVER THE AREA TODAY.
  THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING SOUTH TO
  SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE CONDITIONS. ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATE AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING.

* WIND...SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...8 TO 13 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80S TO LOWER 90S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
127 
WWUS85 KBYZ 012059
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
259 PM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

MTZ124-125-127>133-WYZ274-284-020600-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-111002T0600Z/
WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-STILLWATER COUNTY-
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
259 PM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT
FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS 
FOR MOST OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...ALL OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA...PARTS
OF NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...AND PARTS OF NORTH CENTRAL WYOMING...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...124...125...127...128
  129...130...131...132...133 
   
  IN WYOMING...FIRE ZONES...274...284

* IMPACTS...DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE THIS
  EVENING AS ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ALONG WITH
  VERY LOW HUMIDITIES AND GUSTY WINDS. 

* WIND...SOUTH 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 10 TO 15 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE MID TO UPPER 80S FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 
  AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

MTZ123-126-020600-
/O.CON.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-111002T0600Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
259 PM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT
FOR VERY LOW HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS
FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...

* AFFECTED AREA...IN MONTANA...FIRE ZONES...123...126

* IMPACTS...HOT AND VERY DRY AIR WILL REMAIN OVER THE AREA THIS
  EVENING. THIS HOT AND DRY AIRMASS WILL COMBINE WITH INCREASING
  SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS TO CREATE DANGEROUS FIRE CONDITIONS.
  ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH THE EVENING. 

* WIND...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 12 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE UPPER 80S TO LOWER 90S FOR THE REMAINDER
  OF THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
566 
WWUS85 KBYZ 020311
RFWBYZ

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
911 PM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

MTZ123>133-WYZ274-284-020415-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-111002T0600Z/
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST-WHEATLAND COUNTY/SWEET GRASS COUNTY-
STILLWATER COUNTY-
BEARTOOTH RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY/MUSSELSHELL COUNTY-YELLOWSTONE COUNTY-
CROW INDIAN RESERVATION/BIG HORN CANYON REC AREA-
NORTHERN ROSEBUD/NORTHERN TREASURE COUNTIES-
NORTHERN CHEYENNE INDIAN RESERVATION/ASHLAND RANGER DISTRICT
CUSTER NATL FOREST-CUSTER COUNTY-
SIOUX RANGER DISTRICT CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST-SHERIDAN COUNTY-
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST-
911 PM MDT SAT OCT 1 2011

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED... 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE RED
FLAG WARNING. 

CONDITIONS ARE NO LONGER MEETING RED FLAG WARNING CRITERIA.

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Billings, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Sep 30, 3:23 AM MDT, 41 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Sep 30, 3:23 AM MDT, 41 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
323 AM MDT FRI SEP 30 2011

.SHORT TERM...VALID FOR TDY AND SAT...

IT SEEMS FITTING THAT SEPTEMBER WILL END WARM AND DRY. THE MONTH
WILL END AS THE THIRD DRIEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD AT BILLINGS WITH
ONLY .12 INCHES OF RAINFALL. HIGHS WILL RISE TO NEAR RECORD
LEVELS AGAIN TODAY TO CAP OFF A MONTH OF VERY WARM READINGS OF
LATE. THIS HOT AND DRY WEATHER HAS LEFT CONDITIONS EXTREMELY DRY
IN THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. HUMIDITIES WILL FALL TO A RANGE OF 8 TO
13 PERCENT AND CREATE DANGEROUSLY DRY CONDITIONS ONCE AGAIN.
SATURDAY WILL BE EVEN A LITTLE DRIER AS HIGHS RISE TO THE LOWER
90S...WHICH IS EXTREMELY RARE IN OCTOBER. SURFACE LOW PRESSURE
WILL FORM OVER NORTHERN MONTANA AS THE RIDGE AXIS SHIFTS EAST AND
THIS WILL CAUSE SURFACE WINDS TO INCREASE. RED FLAG FOR THE WEST
LOOKS IN GOOD SHAPE TODAY AND WILL UPGRADE FIRE WEATHER WATCH
CURRENTLY IN PLACE FOR SATURDAY TO A RED FLAG AS WELL. SATURDAY
WILL LIKELY BE MORE CRITICAL THAN TODAY. A COLD FRONT WILL PUSH
INTO NORTHERN ZONES SATURDAY EVENING AND GET WASHED OUT.
SOUTHWEST FLOW DEVELOPING WITH THE RIDGE MOVING EAST WILL SEND
SOME MID LEVEL MOISTURE AND ENERGY INTO THE AREA FOR A CHANCE OF
CONVECTION. MOISTURE WILL BE LIMITED SO KEPT POPS LOW AND WOULD
EXPECT MAINLY SPRINKLES. LIGHTNING CHANCE NOT SIGNIFICANT BUT
COULD HAVE ENHANCED WIND GUSTS WITH SHOWERS THAT TRY TO FORM. TWH

.LONG TERM...VALID FOR SUN...MON...TUE...WED...THU...

CURRENT FORECAST CONTINUES TO LOOK ON TRACK. NEW MODEL DATA HAS
NOT DIVERGED MUCH FROM LAST NIGHT AT THIS TIME AS BOTH THE GFS
AND ECMWF BRING A PATTERN CHANGE BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK. A
COOL FRONT MOVES THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY BUT WILL
ONLY COOL TEMPERATURES SLIGHTLY FOR SUNDAY AS READINGS WILL BE IN
THE LOWER TO MIDDLE 80S.

BY SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY...A LARGE TROUGH AND UPPER LOW
APPROACH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST. THIS WILL ALLOW RIDGING TO
CONTINUE OVER OUR FORECAST AREA SUNDAY INTO MONDAY. ALTHOUGH THE
RIDGE AXIS WILL SHIFT TO THE EAST ACROSS THE DAKOTAS ALLOWING FOR
A SOUTHWEST FLOW ALOFT TO PREVAIL OVER OUR FORECAST AREA. WITHIN
THIS FLOW...A FEW WEAK DISTURBANCES WILL MOVE OVER THE FORECAST
AREA SUNDAY INTO TUESDAY BRINGING A CHANCE FOR A SHOWER OR
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORM ACROSS OUR WESTERN ZONES AND MOUNTAIN
LOCATIONS. MODELS BRING THE BULK OF THE TROUGH AND ENERGY ACROSS
OUR AREA LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT INTO THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. THE ECMWF
IS NOT CLOSING OFF THE LOW OVER THE CENTRAL ROCKIES LIKE IN PAST
MODEL RUNS. HOWEVER...IT DOES SHIFT IT FURTHER NORTH ACROSS
EASTERN MONTANA WHEREAS THE GFS KEEPS THE TROUGH MORE OPEN. THERE
IS STILL A FAIR AMOUNT OF DISAGREEMENT IN THE MODELS BY THE END
OF THE WEEK INTO NEXT WEEKEND...AND AS A RESULT...DID NOT MAKE ANY
BIG CHANGES TO THE FORECAST AND WILL KEEP HIGH CHANCE POPS AND
COOLER TEMPERATURES FOR THIS TIME PERIOD. HOOLEY

&&

.AVIATION...

MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES CAN BE EXPECTED TODAY. VFR CONDITIONS WILL
PREVAIL WITH NO AVIATION HAZARDS EXPECTED. HOWEVER...GUSTY
SOUTHWEST WINDS CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE KLVM AREA AND FOOTHILLS OF
THE BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKA RANGE. HOOLEY

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMP/POPS...

    TDY SAT     SUN     MON     TUE     WED     THU
-------------------------------------------------------
BIL 088 056/092 057/085 051/081 055/076 053/073 047/067
    0/U 00/U    21/B    21/B    11/B    11/B    22/W
LVM 091 051/090 051/081 045/079 047/074 044/071 041/066
    0/N 01/N    22/T    21/B    21/B    12/W    33/W
HDN 091 053/096 053/088 050/083 052/079 050/082 045/071
    0/U 00/U    21/B    11/B    11/B    11/B    22/W
MLS 086 051/095 053/085 050/081 052/080 050/078 046/068
    0/U 00/U    01/B    11/B    11/B    11/B    12/W
4BQ 087 048/094 051/088 050/082 052/079 048/078 047/069
    0/U 00/U    00/U    11/B    11/B    11/B    12/W
BHK 080 045/092 048/085 047/076 048/076 047/076 046/066
    0/U 00/U    00/U    11/B    11/B    11/B    12/W
SHR 089 048/093 048/087 046/083 048/079 046/077 043/068
    0/U 00/U    21/B    11/B    11/B    11/B    23/W

&&

.BYZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT THIS
      EVENING BELOW 6000 FEET FOR ZONES 123-126.
     RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT
      MDT SATURDAY NIGHT BELOW 6000 FEET FOR ZONES 123-126.
     RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT THIS
      EVENING FOR ZONES 124-125.
     RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT
      MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR ZONES 124-125-127>133.
WY...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT
      MDT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR ZONES 274-284.

&&

WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 29, 9:13 PM MDT, 6 hours 51 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
913 PM MDT THU SEP 29 2011

MTZ028>042-056>058-063>068-WYZ098-099-010315-
SOUTHERN WHEATLAND-MUSSELSHELL-TREASURE-NORTHERN ROSEBUD-CUSTER-
FALLON-NORTHERN STILLWATER-YELLOWSTONE-POWDER RIVER-CARTER-
SOUTHERN BIG HORN-EASTERN CARBON-NORTHERN PARK-
NORTHERN SWEET GRASS-GOLDEN VALLEY-RED LODGE FOOTHILLS-
NORTHERN BIG HORN-SOUTHERN ROSEBUD-JUDITH GAP-PARADISE VALLEY-
LIVINGSTON AREA-BEARTOOTH FOOTHILLS-ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
CRAZY MOUNTAINS-NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-SHERIDAN FOOTHILLS-
913 PM MDT THU SEP 29 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MONTANA...SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...SOUTHEAST MONTANA AND NORTH
CENTRAL WYOMING.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER TONIGHT
 IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME CRITICAL OVER
WESTERN AREAS FRIDAY...AND FOR THE ENTIRE REGION ON SATURDAY AS
UNUSUALLY WARM AND DRY CONDITIONS ARE ANTICIPATED ALONG WITH
OCCASIONAL GUSTY WINDS. PEOPLE ENGAGED IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
THIS WEEKEND...ESPECIALLY THOSE TRAVELING OFF ROAD...SHOULD USE
CAUTION.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Montana, 2011Red Flag Warnings in Wyoming, 2011Every red flag warning in 2011

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.