Discussion
Hot, dry, and smoky conditions continue through this week.
Isolated thunderstorms remain a threat for southwest Montana including Butte. Potentially expanding northward late this week.
Even hotter, drier, and windier conditions by Saturday. Elevated fire weather conditions.
Cool down to near average temperatures Sunday, though it remains dry.
The Northern Rockies will remain along the western periphery of a broad ridge of high pressure. Toward the end of the work week, the ridge will amplify as a deep, stationary Pacific trough moves east into British Columbia. Beginning as early as Friday, embedded shortwave energy ejecting off the trough could interact with the ridge. Current guidance targets late Saturday into early Sunday morning for the ridge breakdown.
Hot, dry, and smoky conditions will be common this week. Depending on the thickness of wildfire smoke, daytime temperatures could be attenuated several degrees from the current forecast. Degraded air quality and reduced visibility remain the primary impacts. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exertion.