Missoula Issues Fire Weather Watch for Friday

The Missoula office of the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for western Montana. That's a rather unique advisory that could effect parts of Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Lake and Flathead Counties. Here's what's involved.

The "watch" window is Friday afternoon and evening (August 14). This is to alert us to the potential dangers of thunderstorms, gusty winds and low humidities. Widespread gusts up to 35 MPH are possible. Some thunderstorms could produce erratic winds up to 50 MPH. There is also the possibility of small hail and lightning.

Southerly winds are expected to develop Friday afternoon followed by the front pushing through the area in the evening. It's then expected to move out, leaving us with much milder temperatures over the weekend.

So, as always, be very cautious, especially with fire. And we'll keep "watch" for you.  DB