Drought Information Statement for MONTANA Valid: June 16, 2025 Issued By: NWS Great Falls, NWS Missoula, NWS Glasgow, NWS Billings Contact Information: This product will be updated, July 18, 2025, 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 drought conditions have developed across a portion of northwestern / north 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): A portion northwestern / north central MT D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of western, central and eastern MT D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of western, central and eastern MT D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of western, central and eastern MT Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link: Montana 4-week Change Map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Large portions of northern and central MT, and an isolated area of southwestern MT No Change: No change in drought conditions was observed across much of the state. Drought Improved: Drought class has improved across areas of western, central and far eastern MT Precipitation Precipitation (in): During the past month, large portions of central and eastern montana have received more than 2.5 inches of precipitation, while much of the state received less than 1.5 inches of moisture. Percent of Normal Precipitation (%): Most of The Treasure State received well below normal precipitation, while precipitation values for portions of eastern MT, and isolated areas of northern and central MT, were in the above normal range. Temperature Over the past four weeks, with the exception of a few isolated areas, temperatures for the western two thirds of the state of MT were above normal, while much of eastern MT experienced below normal temperatures. Link: USGS 7-day Average Streamflow Compared to Historical Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Above Normal: 7-Day Average Streamflow values for portions of the Milk River Basin and the Jefferson Basin are included in the above normal range. Normal: Values for portions of the Kootenai, Flathead, Milk and Missouri Main Stem Basins are included in the normal streamflow range, while the basins across much of southern MT are experiencing streamflow in the normal range, as well. Below Normal: Most of the state of MT is experiencing below normal to much below normal streamflow, while streamflow values for portions of the St. Mary, Milk and Sun Teton Marias Basins reside in the low percentile class. Image Caption: USGS 7-day Average Streamflow HUC Map, valid: June 15, 2025 Link: drought.gov/states/montana Agricultural Impacts The Soil Moisture Percentile map shows dry conditions for most of the state, with considerable areas in the 0 to 5 percentile range. The highest soil moisture values are dispersed through central and southern MT, with isolated areas of greater soil moisture located in northwestern and far northeastern MT. https://www.drought.gov/states/montana Fire Hazard Impacts During the month of June, Montana continues 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, June 23, 2025, the liquid precipitation forecast, generally, shows precipitation values up to 1” at lower elevations. As much as 1.25” to 1.50” of precipitation is forecast to fall across some higher elevations. Note: While most days are forecast to receive some moisture, the majority of this precipitation is forecast to occur during the upcoming weekend. 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 from, June 24th to 30th. 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 cooler than normal temperatures across the state of MT. The 8 to 14-Day Precipitation Outlook shows a better chance for above normal precipitation, statewide. Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC Homepage The Seasonal Temperature Outlook shows a better chance for warmer than normal temperatures across The Treasure State. The Seasonal Precipitation Outlook shows a better chance for below normal precipitation, statewide. Seasonal Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Persisting: Drought conditions are predicted to persist across much of western, central and eastern MT. Developing: Most of the remainder of the state Improving: None Ending: None No Drought: Portions of southern MT 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 67.83% of the state of Montana is reported as, “severely dry,” with an additional, 23.43% reported as, “moderately dry.” Montana State Library | National Drought Mitigation Center. 2025. Drought Impacts. [accessed June 16, 2025]. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/76204aa1271a4a7f8a775fc2bba9ef83 Agricultural Impacts Crops are struggling, at best, in many areas: spring wheat, alfalfa, hay, dry land forage. Grasshoppers are becoming an issue. Fire Hazard Impacts The wet season, for much of the state, continues into June. Nonetheless, fires can, and do, ignite and spread. Please, exercise fire safety practices. Other Impacts & Messaging Recreation Rivers continue to run high, fast and cold. Life jackets save lives. Never drive through flooded areas. “Turn around. Don’t Drown.” During flash flooding, “Climb to Safety.” Mitigation Actions Thunderstorm season has begun. Special attention is paid to burn scar areas. Communication, coordination and collaboration between partners is always key.