Alert archive / Montana / Red Flag Warnings in 2017
Red Flag Warning 17, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this red flag warning at Aug 29, 2017, 2:41 PM MDT for 18 counties in Montana. It took effect at Aug 30, 2017, 1:00 PM MDT. It was in force for 56 hr. 5 reports 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
- Aug 29, 2017, 2:41 PM MDT (20:41 UTC)
- In effect from
- Aug 30, 2017, 1:00 PM MDT
- Expired
- Sep 1, 2017, 9:00 PM MDT
- In force
- 56 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Blaine County, MT, Broadwater County, MT, Cascade County, MT, Chouteau County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Gallatin County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Hill County, MT, Jefferson County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Liberty County, MT, Meagher County, MT, Phillips County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Powell County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 24 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:43 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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 5:30 PM MDT | DOWNBURST 0 | Helena, MT | VERY LARGE AIR TANKER LOST 1500 FEET DURING A DOWNBURST. HAD TO DROP ALL OF ITS RETARDANT TO CLIMB OUT OF IT. |
| Aug 30, 5:30 PM MDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 N Helena, MT | REPORTS OF UPROOTED TREES AND TREES BROKE IN HALF AT THE TREASURE STATE ACRES SUBDIVISION IN NORTH HELENA. |
| Aug 30, 5:30 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 53 | Helena, MT | FACEBOOK REPORT |
| Aug 30, 6:06 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 66 | 2 Wsw Lewistown, MT | COLLAPSING RAIN SHOWER PRODUCED A 66 MPH GUST AT THE LEWISTOWN AIRPORT. NO LIGHTNING DETECTED WITH ACTIVITY. |
| Aug 30, 6:07 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 52 | 4 Ssw Power, MT | 52 MPH GUSTS FROM COLLAPSING SHOWERS |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Great_falls, MT (KTFX), launched 12:00Z, 8.7 hours before the alert went out and 37 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 3564 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 20 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -4 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 15 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
435
WWUS85 KTFX 292041
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
241 PM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017
MTZ116-301145-
/O.NEW.KTFX.FW.W.0017.170830T1900Z-170901T0300Z/
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
241 PM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM WEDNESDAY TO 9 PM MDT
THURSDAY...
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM Wednesday to 9 PM MDT
Thursday.
* IMPACTS: Scattered thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon will create
the potential for new lightning-caused fires and erratic outflow
winds. The threat will transition to dry and breezy conditions on
Thursday behind a weak cold front.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In Southwest Montana, Fire Weather Zone 116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday afternoon/evening): Potential outflow
gust of 35 to 45 mph.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30mph
on ridgetops early Thursday morning then translating down to the
valleys in the afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (both days): 15 to 20 percent.
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 can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
MTZ112>115-117-118-301145-
/O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0012.170830T2100Z-170901T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
241 PM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Fire
Weather Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through
Thursday evening.
* IMPACTS: Scattered thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon will create
the potential for new lightning-caused fires and erratic outflow
winds. The threat will transition to dry and breezy conditions on
Thursday behind a weak cold front.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday afternoon/evening): Potential outflow
gust up to 40 mph with increased risk of lightning-caused fires.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph
on ridgetops and along the Rocky Mountain Front. West winds 15 to
25 mph with gusts to 30 mph on the north-central plains Thursday
afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (both days): 12 to 20 percent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative
humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth
potential.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Fire Weather Watch.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls8 follow-up statements
619
WWUS85 KTFX 300934
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
334 AM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
MTZ112>115-117-118-310045-
/O.UPG.KTFX.FW.A.0012.170830T2100Z-170901T0300Z/
/O.EXA.KTFX.FW.W.0017.170830T1900Z-170901T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
334 AM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM MDT
THURSDAY...
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM MDT
Thursday. the Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Hot Temperatures...Strong Gusty
Winds...Dry Thunderstorms with gusty and erratic outflow
winds...and Increasing Thunderstorm Activity will create erratic
fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday afternoon/evening): Potential outflow
gust up to 40 mph with increased risk of lightning-caused fires.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40
mph on ridgetops and along the Rocky Mountain Front. West winds
15 to 25 mph with gusts to 30 mph on the north-central plains
Thursday 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 can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
MTZ116-310045-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.170830T1900Z-170901T0300Z/
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
334 AM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM MDT THURSDAY...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Hot Temperatures...Strong Gusty
Winds...Dry Thunderstorms with gusty and erratic outflow
winds...and Increasing Thunderstorm Activity will create erratic
fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In Southwest Montana, Fire Weather Zone 116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday afternoon/evening): Potential outflow
gust of 35 to 45 mph.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to
30mph on ridgetops early Thursday morning then translating down
to the valleys in the afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (both days): 12 to 20 percent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls831
WWUS85 KTFX 302028
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
228 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
MTZ116-311215-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170901T0300Z/
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
228 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THURSDAY...
* IMPACTS: Increasing dry thunderstorm activity with erratic
outflow winds...Hot temperatures...Low humidity..and strong
westerly winds will create erratic fire behavior and an
increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In Southwest Montana, Fire Weather Zone 116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday evening): Potential outflow gust of 35
to 45 mph.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30
mph on ridgetops early Thursday morning then translating down to
the valleys in the afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (both days): 12 to 20 percent.
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 can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
MTZ112>115-117-118-311215-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170901T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
228 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THURSDAY...
* IMPACTS: Increasing dry thunderstorm activity with erratic
outflow winds...Hot temperatures...Low humidity..and strong
westerly winds will create erratic fire behavior and an
increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms (Wednesday afternoon/evening): Potential outflow
gust up to 40 mph with increased risk of lightning-caused fires.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40
mph on ridgetops and along the Rocky Mountain Front. West winds
15 to 25 mph with gusts to 30 mph on the north-central plains
Thursday afternoon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls006
WWUS85 KTFX 310337
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
937 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
MTZ116-311800-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170901T0300Z/
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
937 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THURSDAY...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Hot Temperatures...and Strong Gusty
Westerly Winds will create erratic fire behavior and an
increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In Southwest Montana, Fire Weather Zone 116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms/Showers (rest of this evening): Potential outflow
gust of 35 to 45 mph.
* Winds (on Thursday): West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30
mph on ridgetops early Thursday morning then translating down
to the valleys in the afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (Thursday): 12 to 20 percent.
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 can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
MTZ112>115-117-118-311800-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170901T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
937 PM MDT Wed Aug 30 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THURSDAY...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Hot Temperatures...and Strong Gusty
Westerly Winds will create erratic fire behavior and an increased
risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115 &
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Thunderstorms/Showers (rest of this evening): Potential outflow
gust up to 45 mph.
* Winds (Thursday): West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph
on ridgetops and along the Rocky Mountain Front. West winds 15 to
25 mph with gusts to 30 mph on the north-central plains Thursday
afternoon.
* Minimum humidities (Thursday): 10 to 20 percent, possibly falling
as low as 8 percent near the Hi-Line.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls241
WWUS85 KTFX 310957
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
357 AM MDT Thu Aug 31 2017
MTZ116-010100-
/O.EXT.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
357 AM MDT Thu Aug 31 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR STRONG
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities and Strong Gusty Winds will create
erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In Southwest Montana, Fire Weather Zone 116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Winds: West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph on ridgetops
early Thursday morning then translating down to the valleys in
the afternoon. Winds become northwesterly Friday at 10 to 15 mph
with gusts to 25 mph.
* Minimum humidities: 12 to 20 percent.
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 can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
MTZ112>115-117-118-010100-
/O.EXT.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
357 AM MDT Thu Aug 31 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR STRONG
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities and Strong Gusty Winds will create
erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Winds: West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph on ridgetops
and along the Rocky Mountain Front. West winds 15 to 25 mph with
gusts to 30 mph on the north-central plains Thursday afternoon.
Winds will become more northwesterly Friday.
* Minimum humidities: 10 to 20 percent, possibly falling as low as
8 percent near the Hi-Line.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls135
WWUS85 KTFX 311923
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
123 PM MDT Thu Aug 31 2017
MTZ112>118-011200-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Hill and Blaine Counties-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
123 PM MDT Thu Aug 31 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR LOW
HUMIDITY HOT TEMPERATURES AND GUSTY WINDS...
* IMPACTS: Low Humidities...gusty winds and hot temperatures will
create erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire
starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...113...114...115
117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zones...116...118.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill
Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson.
* Winds: West winds 20 to 30 mph...with gusts to 40 mph through
tonight...then west to northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph on
Friday.
* Minimum humidities: 8 to 13 percent...with poor recover
overnight tonight.
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 can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls624
WWUS85 KTFX 010939
RFWTFX
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
339 AM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017
MTZ113-115-118-011045-
/O.CAN.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/
Hill and Blaine Counties-Chouteau and Fergus Counties-
Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest-
339 AM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
113...115...AND 118...
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning.
A period of gusty winds is still possible mid to late afternoon
today, but the winds are no longer expected to be strong enough or
last long enough to cause critical fire weather concerns. Relative
humidity will be a bit higher today as well. For these reasons, the
Red Flag Warning has been cancelled. However, elevated fire
weather conditions are still expected this afternoon, mainly across
the western half of fire weather zone 115.
$$
MARTIN
MTZ112-114-116-117-020300-
/O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/
Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty-
Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-
Rocky Mountain Front-
Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest-
Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas-
339 AM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS
EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY...
* IMPACTS: Low humidities and strong gusty winds will create
erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts.
* AFFECTED AREA:
In North Central Montana Fire Zones...112...114...117.
In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....116.
* COUNTIES AFFECTED:
In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin
Lewis and Clark, Meagher.
In North Central Montana, Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Teton
Toole.
In Southwest Montana, Jefferson.
* Winds (lower elevations): Winds will increase early to mid
afternoon to 10 to 20 mph, with gusts to 30 mph.
* Winds (mid/upper slopes): West winds of 15 to 25 mph prior to
sunrise will decrease some after sunrise, then increase again
this afternoon to 15 to 25 mph.
* Minimum humidities: After poor recovery early this morning,
values will fall to 15 to 20 percent this 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 can contribute
to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
&&
$$
http://weather.gov/greatfalls
MARTIN943 WWUS85 KTFX 012049 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 249 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 MTZ114-116-021200- /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T0300Z-170905T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/ Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District- Rocky Mountain Front- Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- 249 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 112...114...116 AND 117... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR MUCH OF MONTANA... * IMPACTS: Red Flag conditions will continue through this evening for Fire Weather Zones 112...114...116...and 117. Increased westerly winds with poor relative humidity recoveries are then expected for Fire Weather Zones 114 and 116 Saturday night into Sunday. Very low RH values and gusty winds will then continue for Sunday...with a major wind shift possible on Monday. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana Fire Zone....114. In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....116. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark. In North Central Montana, Glacier, Pondera, Teton. In Southwest Montana, Jefferson. * Winds (lower elevations): Winds will continue at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts to 30 mph this afternoon. Gusty winds then return Saturday night into Sunday morning...with some gusts over 30 mph possible. Critical winds gusts over 20 MPH are then possible for Sunday...with a major wind shift out of the north and east possible on Monday. * Winds (mid/upper slopes): Wind gusts over 30 mph are possible through this evening. West winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts are then expected Saturday night. Gusty winds are expected to remain Sunday...then a major wind shift is expected on Monday...with winds coming out of the north and east. * Minimum humidities: 15 to 20 percent this afternoon. Poor RH recoveries are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. Min RH values in the teens are expected this weekend. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. 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 can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. && $$ MTZ112-117-021200- /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T1500Z-170905T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty- Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas- 249 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS: Red Flag conditions will continue through this evening for Fire Weather Zones 112...114...116...and 117. Very low RH values and gusty winds are then possible for Sunday across much of Montana...with a major wind shift possible on Monday. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana, Fire Weather Zones 112 and 117. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin, Meagher. In North Central Montana, Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Toole. * Winds (lower elevations): Winds will continue at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts to 25 mph this afternoon. Critical winds gusts over 20 MPH are then possible for Sunday...with a major wind shift out of the north and east possible on Monday. * Winds (mid/upper slopes): Wind gusts near 25 mph are possible through this evening. Gusty winds are expected to return Sunday...then a major wind shift is expected on Monday...with winds coming out of the north and east. * Minimum humidities: 15 to 20 percent this afternoon. Poor RH recoveries are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. Min RH values in the teens are expected this weekend. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. 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 can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. && $$ MTZ113-115-118-021200- /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T1500Z-170905T0300Z/ Hill and Blaine Counties-Chouteau and Fergus Counties- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 249 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Strong Gusty Winds...and an eventual Wind Shift with a Cold Front on Sunday night into Monday will create erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana Fire Zones...113...115. In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Lewis and Clark Meagher. In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Hill. In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. * WIND: Westerly wind 10 to 20 MPH with Gusts near 25 MPH expected on Sunday. Cold front to bring a major wind shift Sunday night into Monday...with north to east winds expected. * HUMIDITY: As low as 10-15 percent. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. && $$ http://weather.gov/greatfalls
304 WWUS85 KTFX 020248 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 848 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 MTZ114-116-021500- /O.EXP.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T0300Z-170905T0300Z/ Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District- Rocky Mountain Front- Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- 848 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 112...114...116 AND 117... ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 112...114...116 AND 117... * RED FLAG WARNING: Winds will continue to decrease overnight. Relative humidity values will also continue to recover. For these reasons, the Red Flag Warning will be allowed to expire at 9 PM MDT this evening. * WATCH INFORMATION * IMPACTS: Increased westerly winds with poor relative humidity recoveries are expected for Fire Weather Zones 114 and 116 Saturday night into Sunday. Very low RH values and gusty winds will then continue for Sunday...with a major wind shift possible on Monday. * WATCH AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana Fire Zone....114. In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....116. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Lewis and Clark. In North Central Montana, Glacier, Pondera, Teton. In Southwest Montana, Jefferson. * Winds (lower elevations): Gusty winds will return Saturday night into Sunday morning...with some gusts over 30 mph possible. Critical winds gusts over 20 MPH are then possible for Sunday...with a major wind shift out of the north and east possible on Monday. * Winds (mid/upper slopes): West winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts are expected Saturday night. Gusty winds are expected to remain Sunday...then a major wind shift is expected on Monday...with winds coming out of the north and east. * Minimum humidities: Poor RH recoveries are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. Min RH values in the teens are expected this weekend. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Fire Weather Watch. && $$ MTZ112-117-021500- /O.EXP.KTFX.FW.W.0017.000000T0000Z-170902T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T1500Z-170905T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty- Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas- 848 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * RED FLAG WARNING: Winds will continue to decrease overnight. Relative humidity values will also continue to recover. For these reasons, the Red Flag Warning will be allowed to expire at 9 PM MDT this evening. * WATCH INFORMATION * IMPACTS: Very low RH values and gusty winds are possible Sunday across much of Montana...with a major wind shift possible on Monday. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana, Fire Weather Zones 112 and 117. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Judith Basin, Meagher. In North Central Montana, Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Toole. * Winds (lower elevations): Critical winds gusts over 20 MPH are possible for Sunday...with a major wind shift out of the north and east possible on Monday. * Winds (mid/upper slopes): Gusty winds are expected to return Sunday...then a major wind shift is expected on Monday...with winds coming out of the north and east. * Minimum humidities: Poor RH recoveries are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. Min RH values in the teens are expected this weekend. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Fire Weather Watch. && $$ MTZ113-115-118-021500- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0013.170903T1500Z-170905T0300Z/ Hill and Blaine Counties-Chouteau and Fergus Counties- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 848 PM MDT Fri Sep 1 2017 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * IMPACTS: Low Humidities...Strong Gusty Winds...and an eventual Wind Shift with a Cold Front on Sunday night into Monday will create erratic fire behavior and an increased risk of new fire starts. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central Montana Fire Zones...113... 115.In Southwest Montana Fire Zone....118. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central Montana, Cascade, Fergus, Lewis and Clark Meagher. In North Central Montana, Blaine, Chouteau, Hill. In Southwest Montana, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson. * COLD FRONT: Mainly dry cold front pushes through Sunday night into Monday morning...possibly bringing gusty winds and an eventual major wind shift to a more north to east wind. * WIND: Westerly wind 10 to 20 MPH with Gusts near 25 MPH expected on Sunday. Cold front to bring a major wind shift Sunday night into Monday...with north to east winds expected. * HUMIDITY: As low as 10-15 percent. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. && $$ Moldan
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 Great Falls, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Aug 29, 10:59 AM MDT, 3 hours 42 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 29, 10:59 AM MDT, 3 hours 42 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1059 AM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017 UPDATED AVIATION .UPDATE... Most of the forecast through this early evening appears valid. Only change was to increase cloud cover somewhat over our Southwest and Central MT counties, where a weather disturbance will interact with abundant moisture aloft, resulting in partly to mostly cloudy skies. As of writing, there are scattered radar echoes over much of the CWA, but the vast majority of these are likely associated with virga given the dry environment at/near the surface. This trend should persist. Jaszka && .SYNOPSIS... Hot and dry conditions continue through Wednesday. High temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to upper 90s. Scattered thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon, with windy and dry weather with more slightly more seasonable temperatures for late in the week. && .DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 340 AM MDT TUE, AUG 29TH, 2017/ Today through Thursday...Fire weather remains our foremost concern this week. The recent stretch of low humidity continues to dry fuels, which are highly receptive to potential fire sources including machinery and vehicles involved in grain harvest operations. A weak disturbance seen producing showers over the interior Pacific Northwest will advance through central and Southwest MT on Tuesday. This will create the potential for isolated dry thunderstorms over far Southwest Montana today. A more widespread mix of wet and dry thunderstorms are expected to develop across the forecast area Wednesday. Lightning-caused fire starts may be possible on Wednesday as a Pacific shortwave begins to flatten the ridge. Westerly winds strengthen behind this trough, continuing fire weather concerns Thursday into Friday. Widely dispersed smoke will persist through at least Wednesday, with periodically moderate to unhealthy air quality. CC Thursday night through Monday...A shortwave will flatten/weaken the Western US ridge for a short time mid-week, but ridging over the eastern Pacific is expected to rebuild into the region by the weekend. The ridge over the weekend still looks to be anomalously strong for this time of year with a 5-10+ year 500mb height return interval possible. At the surface, this should equate to a continued period of above to well above normal temperatures with highs likely running 10-15 degrees above normal. 1000-500mb thickness values over the weekend look to be close to or above what we have experienced here over the past couple of days. Given this potential, I upped temps some over the weekend to better match highs seen over the past couple of days, and this still may be too low. Late in the weekend or early next week, the models have been hinting at a cold front dropping south out of Canada. The GFS is most pronounced with this front while the ECMWF/NBM/CMC are less so. For now, the forecast shows some lowering of temps by Monday, but not nearly as low as what the GFS suggests. Outside of temps, the other main concern will be continued elevated to potentially critical fire weather conditions. Right now, Friday looks to be the greatest fire weather threat in the extended due to breezy/dry conditions (and possibly coming after a couple of days of increased lightning activity mid-week). MARTIN && .AVIATION... Updated 1659Z. Mainly VFR expected next 24-hours as high pressure aloft remains overhead and a Pacific weather disturbance approaches from the west. Scattered to broken mid- to upper-level cloud cover will continue to traverse the ridge, especially over Central and SW MT. Areas of wildfire smoke and mountain obscuration will persist, especially over Southwest and Central MT. Smoke at/near KHLN may generate an MVFR CIG and MVFR to IFR VSBY at times, especially through early this afternoon. Jaszka && .FIRE WEATHER... Critically dry air remains over North-central Montana through today as relative humidity will drop into the high single digits to mid-teens. Winds will remain light across the region, with highest winds over the northern and eastern plains areas where east winds will increase toward 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Dry thunderstorm chances increase today over far southwest Montana, but the greater threat appears Wednesday with isolated to scattered wet and dry thunderstorms possible. Thunderstorm activity will elevate the potential for lightning-caused fire starts Wednesday evening. Fire weather headlines may be needed to cover increasing lightning activity Wednesday, and for stronger west winds with low humidity continuing on Thursday and/or Friday. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 96 58 95 60 / 10 10 10 20 CTB 93 54 93 59 / 10 10 20 20 HLN 93 58 91 59 / 10 10 20 30 BZN 90 52 92 53 / 10 10 10 20 WEY 80 40 80 41 / 20 20 20 20 DLN 86 51 89 51 / 20 20 20 30 HVR 97 56 98 59 / 0 0 10 10 LWT 93 57 93 59 / 0 10 10 20 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && weather.gov/greatfalls
The office that day
Everything else NWS Great Falls, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29, 2:41 PM MDT | Fire Weather Watch | TFX | Blaine, Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Gallatin and 11 more | 13 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Montana, 2017Every red flag warning in 2017
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.