Drought Information Statement for MONTANA Valid: October 24, 2025 Issued By: NWS Great Falls, NWS Missoula, NWS Glasgow, NWS Billings Contact Information: This product will be updated, November 21, 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 - Although some areas have shown some improvement, Extreme Drought conditions continue across portions of western and 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 western and central MT D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of western and central MT D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of southwestern, central and northeastern MT D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of southwestern, central and northeastern MT Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link: Montana 4-week Change Map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Portions of northern and central MT No Change: Much of the western half of the state and portions of northern MT Drought Improved: Across portions of western, central and southern MT Precipitation Precipitation (in): During the past month, most of the state received less than 3.0 inches of precipitation, with most of northern Montana receiving less than 1.0 inch, and some areas receiving 0.1 inches or less. Percent of Normal Precipitation (%): The Treasure State is, generally, characterized as drier than normal across the northern half of the state and wetter than normal across the southern half of the state. Temperature Warmer than normal temperatures were recorded for most of the state of MT, with portions of eastern MT realizing temperatures as high as 6 to 8 degrees above normal. Link: USGS 7-day Average Streamflow Compared to Historical Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Below Normal: Many of the MT state watersheds are experiencing streamflow in the below normal to low range, with the lowest streamflow values found across the western half of the state. Normal: Much of Montana’s streamflow is reported within normal range. Above Normal: Streamflow for portions of central and eastern MT are in the above normal percentile class, with portions of southeastern MT showing much above normal streamflow values. USGS 7-Day Average Streamflow HUC Map Link: drought.gov/states/montana Agricultural Impacts Southwestern, central and much of northern MT are showing very dry soil conditions. Soil Moisture Percentile is at 80% and above across a significant portions of the remainder of the state. https://www.drought.gov/states/montana Fire Hazard Impacts For the month of October, 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, October 30, 2025, the liquid precipitation forecast, keeps most of the state dry. Some higher elevation areas of western and south central MT are forecast to receive an inch or more of precipitation. Relatively lower elevations of western and south central MT are forecast to receive up to 0.5” of moisture, during 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 from, October 31st to November 6th, 2025. 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 above normal precipitation across most of the state, with a near-normal precipitation outlook for southeastern MT. Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC Homepage The Seasonal Temperature Outlook shows equal chances for warmer or cooler than normal temperatures for the period of, November 2025 through January 2026. The Seasonal Precipitation Outlook suggests better chances for above normal precipitation, statewide. Seasonal Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Persisting: For the seasonal period of, October 16, 2025 through the end of January 2026, persistent drought conditions are predicted across large portions of central and northeastern, MT. Developing: None Improving: Much of western MT Ending: Portions of southwestern and south central MT No Drought: Much of central and eastern 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 Some rivers are experiencing Drought Closure, prohibiting fishing 24-hours per day, due to poor river flows and stressful water temperatures. Agricultural Impacts As of, October 21, 2025, U.S. Agricultural Commodities in Drought reports forage crops at 33% to 36% commodity area affected by drought. Blaine County reports show pastures providing marginal feed, with supplemental feeding required. Fire Hazard Impacts Fire safety practices continue important. Other Impacts & Messaging Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Choteau notes reduced bird count due to drought and low water levels. Very low streamflow on western MT rivers impacts outfitters. Mitigation Actions Montana State Drought Monitor authors work to create maps with the highest level accuracy based upon the a deep dive into the available data, providing partners with valuable information to assist with action planning. Communication and collaboration amongst partners continues extremely important.