Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT
Issued by NWS Missoula, MT
942 FXUS65 KMSO 040844 AFDMSO Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 244 AM MDT Thu Jul 4 2024 .UPDATE...No major changes expected in the messaging of our upcoming heatwave in the Northern Rockies. && .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 132 PM MDT Wed Jul 3 2024/ ..A Northern Rockies Heatwave Likely July 5-12... DISCUSSION... Confidence remains high that an extended period of heat will start this weekend and continue well into next week. The middle of next week looks to be the hottest period, with valleys in central Idaho hitting the 100-115 degree range and western Montana valleys reaching 90-105 degrees by next Wednesday (July 10th). Nighttime temperatures are expected to cool only into the 50s to 60s, which will make it difficult for those without air conditioning or other means of cooling down to find respite from the heat. Please check on the elderly, those susceptible to heat,and protect all animals and livestock during this stretch of hot temperatures. An aspect that is less certain during this period of hot temperatures is the thunderstorm forecast. The latest model guidance trends toward thunderstorm chances on Saturday in western Montana, especially along the Divide. && .AVIATION...Lingering showers continue along the crest of the Continental Divide early this morning and will continue to move east and dissipate with time. High pressure will strengthen from the west and gradually shift over the Northern Rockies in the next 24-48 hours, bringing a prolonged period of heat to the region. && .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT... Excessive Heat Watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for Kootenai/Cabinet Region...Lower Clark Fork Region. ID...Excessive Heat Watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday evening for Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern Clearwater Mountains. Excessive Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday evening for Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region... Orofino/Grangeville Region. && $$