More Searing Weather of 100+ Through Friday Risky for Montana

Dangerously hot temperatures are forecasted for portions of both western and eastern Montana through at least Friday. We've already weathered weeks of hot, dry days and with daytime highs reaching 105 - fire danger and health risks are big concerns.

Montana has both Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Advisories in effect in different parts of the state. What's the difference between the advisories? The amount of time hot temps will stick around dictates the wording.

"A Heat Advisory is issued with a heat index of 100 degrees or more for at least two days. An Excessive Heat warning is issued with a heat index of 105 degrees or more for at least two days." (yahoo)

The eastern half of Montana is divided into north and south for the advisories. The southeast portion of the state will be dealing with extremely hot temperature for a longer period of time.

• A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY MORNING TO 9 PM FRIDAY NIGHT
• TOWNS INCLUDED: Malta, Glasgow, Fort Peck, Scobey, Plentywood, Jordan, Circle, Wolf Point, Poplar, Sidney, Glendive
• WHAT...Thursday, max temps as high as 99 expected. Friday, max temps as high as 105 expected.
• WHERE...Northeast Montana.
• WHEN...From 10 AM Thursday morning to 9 PM Friday.
• IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Monitor others and yourself for the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Signs of Heat Stroke include: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, confusion, weakness and cramps.
• Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
• Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
• Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency!

Get our free mobile app

• AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 11 PM FRIDAY.
• TOWNS INCLUDED: Billings, Forsyth, Miles City, Hardin, Crow Agency, Lame Deer, Birney, Colstrip, Baker, Broadus, Ekalaka, Ridgeway, Biddle
• WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 105 expected.
• WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Montana.
• WHEN...From noon to 11 PM Friday.
• IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.

The far western part of Montana has it's own set of Heat Advisories, all while still battling the majority of wildfires that are burning in the state. The western Heat Advisories will last longer:

• A HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON FRIDAY TO 9 PM SATURDAY.
• TOWNS INCLUDED: Missoula, Lolo, Florence, Hamilton, Polson, Kalispell, Whitefish, Libby, Thompson Falls, St. Regis, Frenchtown
• WHAT...Major risk of heat effects expected.
• WHERE...Flathead/Mission Valleys and Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys, Kootenai/Cabinet Region and Lower Clark Fork Region
• WHEN...From noon Friday to 9 PM Saturday.
• IMPACTS...This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
• Impacts likely in some health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.