Special Weather Statement, NWS Missoula, MT

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
330 PM MDT FRI AUG 14 2015

.DISCUSSION...Strong to severe thunderstorms have formed across
north central Idaho and southwest Montana this evening. These
storms will produce gusty winds, widespread lightning, and hail
for many locations, including areas around Missoula, Butte,
Salmon, Anaconda, and Deer Lodge. With strong forcing aloft, and
widespread instability, this is looking like one of the most
widespread outbreaks of severe weather we have seen so far this
summer. Those with outdoor plans should keep a vigilant watch on
the skies and weather around them. Any lightning can be deadly.

After sunset, the strongest storms will quiet down and move east.
A cold front will move through northwest Montana and eventually
across the rest of western Montana, which could cause a few more
thunderstorms. Gusty winds and occasional lightning would be the
main threat with these storms.

Saturday will be notably cooler, especially in Montana. Another
shortwave moving through the upper level trough will cause breezy
winds across northwest Montana. Some showers could form near the
Canadian border, but lightning should be minimal.

Next week, generally cooler conditions will continue as we remain
under the influence of a trough aloft. Northwest flow will bring
occasional chances for showers along the Canadian border, with
Monday looking most favorable. Other locations should be mostly
dry, with seasonally afternoon breezes.

&&

.AVIATION....Strong thunderstorms with gusty erratic winds,
lightning, and hail will be in the area for KMSO, KSMN, and KBTM
this afternoon and evening. These are not expected to move
completely out of the area until after sunset. South winds will be
strong this afternoon and evening, with winds shifting westerly as
the front moves through this evening and overnight. A few hours of
strong winds can be expected overnight as the front moves through.
Winds will weaken somewhat in the morning, but Saturday will be
another breezy day for northwest Montana, especially KGPI.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...     FLASH FLOOD WATCH until 9 PM MDT this evening Butte/Blackfoot
     Region.

     RED FLAG WARNING until Midnight MDT tonight Bitterroot...East
     Lolo...Flathead/Glacier Park...Kootenai...Salish and
     Kootenai Reservation...West Lolo.

ID...FLASH FLOOD WATCH until 9 PM MDT this evening Eastern Lemhi
     County...Western Lemhi County.

     RED FLAG WARNING until 11 PM PDT this evening Clearwater/Nez
     perce.

     RED FLAG WARNING until 11 PM PDT this evening Palouse/Hells
     Canyon.

&&