Alert archive / Montana / Red Flag Warnings in 2022
Red Flag Warning 3, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this red flag warning at Sep 2, 2022, 1:00 PM MDT for 18 counties in Montana. It took effect at Sep 3, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT. It was in force for 57 hr. 29 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
- Sep 2, 2022, 1:00 PM MDT (19:00 UTC)
- In effect from
- Sep 3, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
- Expired
- Sep 5, 2022, 9:00 PM MDT
- In force
- 57 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 19:01 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 9:07 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 54 | 2 Se Browning, MT | MESONET STATION MTBWG BROWNING (MT DOT). |
| Sep 3, 9:18 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 53 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | MESONET STATION MTBRN TWO MEDICINE BRIDGE (MT DOT). |
| Sep 3, 9:42 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 59 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS STATION KCTB CUT BANK AIRPORT. |
| Sep 3, 9:44 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 68 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND GST REPORT FROM 3 SW CUT BANK. ASOS STATION KCTB CUT BANK AIRPORT. |
| Sep 3, 9:55 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 63 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS STATION KCTB CUT BANK AIRPORT. |
| Sep 3, 9:55 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 66 | 19 Wnw Santa Rita, MT | LJ JOHNSON FARMS CUT BANK AMBIENT WEATHER STATION. |
| Sep 3, 9:56 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 68 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS STATION KCTB CUT BANK AIRPORT. |
| Sep 3, 10:00 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 57 | 6 Nw Ledger, MT | MESONET STATION MTM05 ARC-WTRI CONRAD. |
| Sep 3, 10:19 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 68 | 3 Se Sunburst, MT | MESONET STATION FW8513 SUNBURST. |
| Sep 3, 10:32 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 69 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS STATION KCTB CUT BANK AIRPORT. |
| Sep 3, 10:34 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 73 | Cut Bank, MT | AMBIENT WEATHER STATION. LITTLE LIGHTNING DETECTED. |
| Sep 3, 10:42 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 2 Nw Pendroy, MT | MESONET STATION MTPND PENDROY (MT DOT). |
| Sep 3, 10:49 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 58 | Sunburst, MT | MESONET STATION MTSUN SUNBURST (MT DOT). |
| Sep 3, 10:54 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 56 | 6 Nnw Sunburst, MT | MESONET STATION MTSWT SWEETGRASS (MT DOT). |
| Sep 3, 11:44 PM MDT | TSTM WND GST 58 | 6 Nnw Sunburst, MT | MESONET STATION MTSWT SWEETGRASS (MT DOT). |
| Sep 4, 12:45 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 73 | 9 E Ferdig, MT | DELAYED REPORT. TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTS A 73 MPH WIND GUST. TIME ESTIMATED VIA RADAR. |
| Sep 4, 12:57 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 68 | 11 Ssw Whitlash, MT | MESONET STATION GW0659 GRASSY BUTTE 2SE. |
| Sep 4, 1:00 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 65 | 2 Wnw Chester, MT | MESONET STATION GW2112 CHESTER NW. |
| Sep 4, 1:05 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 59 | 12 Nne The Knees, MT | AMBIENT WEATHER STATION. |
| Sep 4, 1:08 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 80 | 11 Ssw Whitlash, MT | AMBIENT WEATHER STATION. |
| Sep 4, 1:15 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 57 | 11 Sse Lothair, MT | MESONET STATION GW1852 TIBER MARINA. |
| Sep 4, 1:18 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 13 S Fort Belknap, MT | MESONET STATION FBLM8 FORT BELKNAP RAWS. |
| Sep 4, 1:45 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 59 | 5 Nnw Chester, MT | MESONET STATION EW9427 CHESTER-5NW. |
| Sep 4, 1:52 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 64 | 15 E Whitlash, MT | MESONET STATION GW0718 JOPLIN 25NNW. |
| Sep 4, 2:00 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 63 | Joplin, MT | MESONET STATION GW0416 JOPLIN. |
| Sep 4, 2:02 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 62 | 20 E Whitlash, MT | MESONET STATION GW0637 BEARS DEN 9 ENE. |
| Sep 4, 2:05 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 78 | 2 E Inverness, MT | MESONET STATION MTINV INVERNESS (MT DOT). |
| Sep 4, 2:15 AM MDT | TSTM WND GST 61 | 17 N Joplin, MT | MESONET STATION GW0625 JOPLIN 17 NORTH. |
| Sep 5, 3:03 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | MESONET STATION MTBRN TWO MEDICINE BRIDGE (MT DOT). |
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, 7.0 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
- 2587 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 43 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 26 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 63 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
642 WWUS85 KTFX 021900 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 100 PM MDT Fri Sep 2 2022 MTZ112>118-031800- /O.UPG.KTFX.FW.A.0003.220903T1800Z-220904T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.W.0003.220903T1800Z-220905T0000Z/ 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- 100 PM MDT Fri Sep 2 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SATURDAY TO 6 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, DRY THUNDERSTORMS WITH GUSTY AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, AND 118... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic outflow winds, which is in effect from noon Saturday to 6 PM MDT Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...Mid 90s to near 105 on Saturday. Upper 80s to mid 90s on Sunday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Winds will shift westerly Saturday evening and continue out of the west 15 to 25 with gusts up to 35 on Sunday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Erratic gusts from showers and thunderstorms are possible. 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. && Pierce/Moldan $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
8 follow-up statements
379 WWUS85 KTFX 030828 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 228 AM MDT Sat Sep 3 2022 MTZ112>118-032200- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.220903T1800Z-220905T0000Z/ 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- 228 AM MDT Sat Sep 3 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, DRY THUNDERSTORMS WITH GUSTY AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, AND 118... * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...Mid 90s to low 100s on Saturday. Upper 80s to mid 90s on Sunday. * WINDS...Southerly 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Winds will shift westerly Saturday evening and continue out of the west 15 to 25 with gusts up to 35 on Sunday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Strong and erratic gusts from any showers or thunderstorm are possible. 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://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
845 WWUS85 KTFX 032347 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 547 PM MDT Sat Sep 3 2022 MTZ112>118-041100- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220905T0000Z/ 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- 547 PM MDT Sat Sep 3 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, DRY THUNDERSTORMS WITH GUSTY AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, AND 118... * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...Mid 90s to near 105 on Saturday. Upper 80s to mid 90s on Sunday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Winds will shift westerly Saturday evening and continue out of the west 15 to 25 with gusts up to 35 on Sunday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Erratic gusts from showers and thunderstorms are possible. 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. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
596 WWUS85 KTFX 040930 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 330 AM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 MTZ112>115-117-050000- /O.EXT.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty- Hill and Blaine Counties- Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District- Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties- Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas- 330 AM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT MONDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... * AFFECTED AREA...Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty, Hill and Blaine Counties, Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-Rocky Mountain Front, Chouteau and Fergus Counties and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...85 to 95. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ MTZ116-118-050000- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220905T0000Z/ Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 330 AM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 116 AND 118... * AFFECTED AREA...Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...90 to 95. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. 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. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
028 WWUS85 KTFX 042348 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 548 PM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 MTZ116-118-050100- /O.EXP.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220905T0000Z/ Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 548 PM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 116 AND 118... Wind speeds have decreased below critical levels. $$ MTZ112>115-117-051500- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ 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- 548 PM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT MONDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...85 to 95. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. 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. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
830 WWUS85 KTFX 050011 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 611 PM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 MTZ112>115-117-051100- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty- Hill and Blaine Counties- Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District- Rocky Mountain Front-Chouteau and Fergus Counties- Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas- 611 PM MDT Sun Sep 4 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT MONDAY FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... * AFFECTED AREA...Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern Pondera/Liberty, Hill and Blaine Counties, Lewis and Clark National Forest Rocky Mountain District-Rocky Mountain Front, Chouteau and Fergus Counties and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...85 to 95. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
568 WWUS85 KTFX 050828 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 228 AM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 MTZ112>115-117-052200- /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ 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- 228 AM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Fire Weather Watch for hot temperatures, gusty winds, low relative humidity, and a slight chance for dry thunderstorms, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...85 to 95 on Monday, 95 to 105 on Wednesday. * WINDS...Westerly 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph on Monday, southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph on Wednesday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. 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. 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. && $$ MTZ116-118-052200- /O.NEW.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 228 AM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 116 AND 118... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Fire Weather Watch for hot temperatures, gusty winds, low relative humidity, and a slight chance for dry thunderstorms, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...95 to 100. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Fire Weather Watch. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
384 WWUS85 KTFX 052057 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 257 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 MTZ112>115-117-061200- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ 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- 257 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...80s to low 90s this evening. 95-105 Wednesday. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts 25-35 mph this evening. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph WEdnesday afternoon and evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. 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. 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. && $$ MTZ116-118-061200- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 257 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 116 AND 118... * AFFECTED AREA...Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...In 90s to around 100. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Fire Weather Watch. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
283 WWUS85 KTFX 060252 RFWTFX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 852 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 MTZ112>115-117-061200- /O.EXP.KTFX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-220906T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ 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- 852 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 112, 113, 114, 115, AND 117... * AFFECTED AREA...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 and Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * TEMPERATURES...In the upper 90s to lower 100s. * WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. * IMPACTS...Any new fire starts could be difficult to contain. 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. && $$ MTZ116-118-061200- /O.CON.KTFX.FW.A.0004.220907T1800Z-220908T0600Z/ Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest- Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest- 852 PM MDT Mon Sep 5 2022 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR HOT TEMPERATURES, GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, AND A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 116 AND 118... * AFFECTED AREA...Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * TEMPERATURES...In the 90s to around 100. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create high fire growth potential. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Fire Weather Watch. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
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 Sep 2, 11:30 AM MDT, 1 hour 30 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 2, 11:30 AM MDT, 1 hour 30 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1130 AM MDT Fri Sep 2 2022 ...Aviation Section Updated... .SYNOPSIS... Near record-breaking temperatures and very dry conditions will continue across North Central and Southwest Montana through at least the Labor Day Weekend. In fact, daytime highs on Saturday will likely be the warmest of the year so far for many areas, as many locations approach or exceed 100 degrees. A fast moving Pacific shortwave and attendant cold front will then likely bring gusty winds Saturday afternoon through Sunday. && .UPDATE... Morning update has been published with minimal amendments. Primary change was to add haze and smoke to the grids through tonight, delineating between the two. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend and into next week, with Saturday continuing to portray triple digit temperatures for many locations. Focus going forward this morning is the fire weather concerns and whether to extend the duration of and/or increase the current watch to a red flag warning. - Pierce && .AVIATION... 1130 AM MDT Fri Sep 2 2022 (02/18Z TAF period) VFR conditions continue to prevail across the region under predominately clear skies; however, wildfire smoke may disrupt visibility at times along the Continental Divide, specifically near KCTB and KGTF, and across portions of Southwest Montana. Otherwise, winds remain generally light and from the southeasterly through Saturday morning, becoming more southwesterly. - Pierce && .FIRE WEATHER... The onset of critical fire weather conditions are expected to return on Saturday afternoon, likely persisting into Sunday, as upper level ridging is flattened out by a fast moving shortwave and attendant Pacific front. Record to near record high temperatures are expected ahead of the front as readings soar into the upper 90s to and lower 100s, with minimum relative humidity values falling into the single digits. Southwesterly winds will increase in advance of the system and will be followed by a westerly wind shift. In addition to this, a few isolated convective showers with erratic wind potential may develop on Saturday evening. && .CLIMATE... Near record heat will persist for most areas of North- central and Southwest Montana at least through the Labor Day Weekend. Temperatures in the 90s and lower 100s are expected for through the period; highs on Saturday will likely be the warmest of the year so far, as probabilistic forecasts indicate at least a 50 percent chance of record- breaking temperatures. This late summer heat wave has also helped ensure that August 2022 was the warmest August on record for at least the climate stations at Helena and Belgrade (Bozeman Yellowstone Airport). Most other climate stations also had top-10 finishes for the warmest August of all time. && .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 535 AM MDT Fri Sep 2 2022/ Anticyclonic northwesterly flow is being observed over the northern Rockies as high pressure builds in the wake last night's departing shortwave. Light winds, very dry conditions, and very warm temperatures are expected for today. Highs will run in the low to mid-90s for most lower elevation locations, roughly 10 to 15 degrees above climatology. H500 heights begin to lower on Saturday ahead of a Pacific shortwave. However, this will do little to cool temperatures, with many locations seeing a 50 percent chance or greater of reaching and/or exceeding record highs in the mid - and upper 90s. Despite this heat, the very low relative humidity help keep conditions from generally becoming health- threatening; therefore, heat advisories are not expected at this time, but individuals should prepare now if these kinds of conditions are hazardous to your personal health. By late Saturday afternoon, the aforementioned shortwave will approach from the southwest, with surface winds increasing on the ascent side of this system. H850 to H700 winds are not really that impressive, but diurnal mixing will be deep and could mix 25 to 30 kt 500 mb winds to the surface. The combination of winds and low relative humidity is still expected to create critical fire weather concerns, see the fire weather section for more information. An attendant Pacific cold front will bring a westerly wind shift to all areas Saturday evening and central/north-central locations may see a few isolated convective showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Winds may briefly gust over 40 mph during the frontal passage or the occurrence of any shower/storm. Windy and dry conditions persist through Sunday as ridging rebuilds, though temperatures should cool by 5 to 7 degrees. Future shifts may elect to issue fire weather products for some areas on Sunday should confidence increase in windy/dry conditions on Sunday. The warm and dry pattern continue through at least mid- week, though another passing shortwave may bring gusty winds on Monday followed by slightly cooler temperatures on Tuesday. Medium range ensembles are starting hint on a stronger and cooler system to pass through the northern Rockies during the latter half of the work week, possibly bringing increased chances for measurable precipitation and temperatures closer to climatology. -RCG && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 94 57 101 58 / 0 0 0 20 CTB 90 54 97 58 / 0 0 0 20 HLN 95 58 103 59 / 0 0 0 10 BZN 93 52 99 53 / 0 0 0 0 WYS 86 40 87 43 / 0 0 0 0 DLN 90 50 94 51 / 0 0 0 0 HVR 93 61 102 63 / 0 0 0 10 LWT 89 59 98 57 / 0 0 0 0 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... && http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Montana, 2022Every red flag warning in 2022
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.