Heat Wave – Temperature Records Fall in Missoula and Kalispell

Yes, Tuesday was a blistering day in western Montana, with new high temperature records set in two communities. And, there are more to come.

Meteorologist Trent Smith with the National Weather Service Office in Missoula provided details to KGVO News early Wednesday morning.

“We broke two records that I’m aware of,” began Smith. “101 here in Missoula, which broke a record of 100 set back in 1937, and in Kalispell it was also 101, which broke their record of 95 set back in 1979.”

Smith said there will be no relief from the heat throughout western Montana on Wednesday.

“We’re expecting another really warm day today, with maybe a few thunderstorms at the very southern end of the Bitterroot,” he said. “But after that we’re actually looking at some decent showers and thunderstorms trying to move into the area Thursday into Friday. On both days, we’re looking at some showers and thunderstorms, especially south of the I-90 corridor.”

Smith said the lightning that may accompany those thunderstorms may cause concern for fire officials.

“We’ve been really dry,” he said. “We are looking at a little bit more intensity with some storms that could be quite intense with some decent lightning. They’ll start off dry, before then become wet, so it could be a concern. Gusty winds and maybe even some localized heavy rain out of these storms, especially in the Thursday afternoon time frame.”

Wednesday’s high in Missoula is forecast at 102, another new record. The previous record was 96, set in 2008.