Drought Information Statement for MONTANA Valid: February 24, 2026 Issued By: NWS Great Falls, NWS Missoula, NWS Glasgow, NWS Billings Contact Information: This product will be updated, March 2026, or sooner, if drought conditions change, significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/TFX/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. D3 - Extreme Drought Conditions have expanded across portions of central Montana. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link: Latest Montana U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): Portions of central MT D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of central MT D1 (Moderate Drought): Large portions of the state D0: (Abnormally Dry): Most of the remaining areas of The Treasure State Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link: Montana 4-week Change Map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Across large portions of the state No Change: Some areas Drought Improved: None Precipitation Precipitation (in): During the past month, isolated areas of northwestern and southern MT received in excess of 2.0 inches of precipitation, while most of the state received less than 1.5 inches of moisture. Percent of Normal Precipitation (%): Portions of central, southwestern and eastern Montana received above normal precipitation, while most of the state recorded below normal precipitation. Temperature The state of MT recorded warmer than normal temperatures, during the past month, with some areas reporting temperatures of more than 8 degrees above normal, for this period. Link: USGS 7-day Average Streamflow Compared to Historical Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Below Normal: Watersheds of western, central and southern MT, are experiencing streamflow in the below normal to much below normal range. Normal: Streamflows across areas of western, central and southern Montana are reporting within normal range. Above Normal: Streamflows of western MT and a portion of the Yellowstone are reported in the above normal range. USGS 7-Day Average Streamflow Compared to Historical Fire Hazard Impacts For the month of March, the state of MT is included in an area of normal significant wildland fire potential conditions. Significant wildland fires should be expected at typical times and intervals. Link: Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center Link: drought.gov/states/montana 7-Day Precipitation Forecast Through, March 3, 2026, the 7-Day Liquid Precipitation Forecast, includes high elevation moisture of about 0.75” to 2.0”, with greater amounts at the highest elevations. Low elevation forecast precipitation values, generally, range from 0.01” to 0.5”, for this 7-day period.. 8 to 14-Day Hydrologic Hazards Outlook Link: Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14-day Hazards Outlook As of this time, no significant flooding or rapid onset drought hazards are forecast to occur across The Treasure State during the period of, March 4 - 10, 2026. https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/nws-crh-services/programs/climate/long-term-outlooks-and-forecasts?authuser=0 https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php <<< https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/extremesTool.php https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/threats/threats.php 8 to 14-Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC Homepage The 8 to 14-Day Temperature Outlook shows a better chance for warmer than normal temperatures across the state of MT. The 8 to 14-Day Precipitation Outlook shows a better chance for near-normal precipitation across most of the state, with a portion of northwestern through north central MT showing a better chance for above-normal moisture. Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC Homepage The Seasonal Temperature Outlook, generally, shows equal chances for above or below normal temperatures. The Seasonal Precipitation Outlook shows equal chances for above or below normal precipitation, for the period of, March through May 2026. Seasonal Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Persisting: Especially, portions of central and southwestern MT Please note: This map is updated once per month. https://www.drought.gov/states/montana Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook Seasonal (3-Month) Drought Outlook Summary of Impacts Links: Submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and View the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts As of this time, it is too early in the season to assess snowpack and its impacts to the region. Agricultural Impacts With portions of the state continuing in Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) Drought Intensity Levels, impacts to crops and grasslands are possible. Fire Hazard Impacts Fire prevention efforts continue important. Other Impacts & Messaging Some of our rivers are experiencing river ice buildup. River ice behavior is unpredictable and dangerous. Safety First. Stay off ice. Never drive through flooded areas. Mitigation Actions Communication and collaboration amongst partners continues extremely important.