Special Weather Statement, NWS Missoula, MT

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
146 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021

.DISCUSSION...Thunderstorms will occur today across much of
western Montana and portions of north central Idaho (namely Lemhi
County and along the Bitteroot/Clearwater mountain crest). Given
the amount of instability available in the atmosphere, storms
will grow quickly and could become quite strong, even possibly
severe, with damaging winds the most likely threat from the
strongest storms. Outflow wind gusts could top 50 mph directly
beneath one of the stronger storms, along with hail up to one
inch in diameter and plenty of lightning. That being said, the
probability of storms becoming severe is on the lower side, but
the impact could be substantial should one or two grow to the
point of becoming severe. Be aware of this potential through this
afternoon and evening, especially if you are outdoors and need to
take shelter quickly.

Storms will continue to move through western Montana and along the
Continental Divide this evening before shifting east of the Divide
after sunset, relieving the region of any remaining storm
activity. Breezy winds and drier conditions will occur on Thursday
for most of the region, however, isolated thunderstorms will be
possible across southwest Montana in the afternoon and evening.

Hot, dry, and windy will be the situation across all of the
Northern Rockies Friday as high pressure reestablishes itself.
Enhanced fire danger will exist, particularly across western
Montana where winds will be strongest and humidity will be driest.
Temperatures will rise into the 90s and remain there through the
weekend, giving way to another stretch of hot and dry weather
heading into next week.

&&

.AVIATION...Convection has begun to form across western Montana
and north central Idaho, with increasingly unstable atmospheric
conditions helping to initiate widespread thunderstorms now
through 22/0300Z. Storms could grow strong enough that they become
severe, producing winds up to 40 knots and hail up to one inch in
diameter. Outflow winds from nearby storms could also impact
aviation even if the storm is not directly over the terminal
itself.

While the probability of severe storms developing is low,
the impact could be great to aviation operations if a stronger
storm impacts area terminals. High resolution forecast models show
storm activity moving east of the Continental Divide after
22/0300Z, with drier conditions to follow on Thursday. Winds out
of the west-northwest will increase areawide around and after
22/1800Z.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Fire Weather Watch from Friday afternoon through Friday evening
     Deerlodge/West Beaverhead...East Beaverhead.

     Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 PM MDT Thursday Flathead/Glacier
     Park...Salish and Kootenai Reservation.

ID...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM PDT this evening Palouse/Hells
     Canyon.

&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
143 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021

IDZ009-010-212000-
Eastern Lemhi County ID-Western Lemhi County ID-
143 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTH CENTRAL LEMHI COUNTY UNTIL
200 PM MDT...

At 143 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Salmon, moving northeast at 25 mph.

Pea size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Salmon, Leesburg and Carmen.

LAT...LON 4525 11421 4552 11378 4550 11376 4548 11376
      4545 11378 4543 11376 4541 11377 4539 11373
      4533 11374 4528 11368 4525 11369 4512 11405
TIME...MOT...LOC 1943Z 233DEG 23KT 4523 11405

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
244 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021

MTZ005-006-212115-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains MT-Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys MT-
244 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EAST CENTRAL RAVALLI AND WEST
CENTRAL GRANITE COUNTIES UNTIL 315 PM MDT...

At 243 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles east of Hamilton, moving northeast at 25 mph.

Pea size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Skalkaho Pass.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.

&&

LAT...LON 4613 11398 4623 11406 4639 11382 4622 11360
TIME...MOT...LOC 2043Z 236DEG 21KT 4623 11390