Dust Storm and High Wind in Montana, December 19 to 20, 2020

A series of three weather systems moved through Montana between December 18 and 21, 2020, bringing strong winds with the first two systems on the 18-19th. Winds increased to 20-35 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH during the overnight hours on the 18-19. Winds would continue to increase a little through the morning, but weakening a bit in the afternoon.

Winds would pick up later in the evening on the evening of the 19th as the second system began to push into the area. This system would be the windiest of the three, with winds aloft at 700 mb increasing to 70kts/80MPH. These strong winds would mix down to the surface, resulting in wind gusts in excess of 70 and even 80 MPH. High Wind Warnings were issued across the area, especially across the North-Central Plains.

The third and final system would move into the area on Tuesday, which would go on to result in some mountain snow and gusty winds across the plains, but this will be recorded in a separate episode.