Heat and Fire Weather Concerns West; Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms from Plains to mid-Atlantic

Thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall is expected from the Central Plains to the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and across the Southeast. Severe weather from the Upper Midwest to Central Plains increases on Friday. Major to Extreme HeatRisk continues across the Southern Plains to the lower Mississippi Valley late this week. Fire weather concerns for the northern Rockies and northern Plains today. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 7:34:36 am MDT

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

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National Weather Service Great Falls, MT

Red Flag Warning

Gusty Winds Expected Thursday

Valley Rain/Mountain Snow Friday-Sunday

Impacts to Flathead Lake and Southwest Montana Strong, gusty winds will develop throughout the day on Thursday, leading to potentially hazardous boating conditions on area lakes and elevated fire weather concerns. Flathead Lake: Winds from the West and Southwest will be sustained at 5-15 mph, with gusts from 15 to 25 mph. Boaters should prepare for choppy water and hazardous conditions for the opening of Fall Mack Days. Southwest Montana: Winds will increase into the afternoon out of the South and Southwest. Sustained speeds of 10-25 mph are expected, with peak gusts reaching 20-40+ mph. This, along with warm and dry air, will lead to elevated fire weather conditions.

A significant weather shift is arriving in Western Montana and North-Central Idaho Friday into this weekend, September 11-13, bringing widespread rain to the valleys and snow to the high terrain. Snow accumulations are possible above 6,000 feet, particularly on Sunday. Anyone heading into the backcountry should prepare for a legitimate hypothermia risk due to the sudden onset of cold, wet, and raw conditions. High temperatures will take a hit, dropping 10 to 20 degrees below normal by Saturday and Sunday. Also, expect morning fog and low clouds to start your days.

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Heat and Fire Weather Concerns West; Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms from Plains to mid-Atlantic

NWS Forecast Office Missoula, MT