942
FXUS65 KMSO 040844
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
244 AM MDT Thu Jul 4 2024

.UPDATE...No major changes expected in the messaging of our
upcoming heatwave in the Northern Rockies.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 132 PM MDT Wed Jul 3 2024/

..A Northern Rockies Heatwave Likely July 5-12...

DISCUSSION...

Confidence remains high that an extended period of heat will
start this weekend and continue well into next week. The middle of
next week looks to be the hottest period, with valleys in central
Idaho hitting the 100-115 degree range and western Montana
valleys reaching 90-105 degrees by next Wednesday (July 10th).
Nighttime temperatures are expected to cool only into the 50s to
60s, which will make it difficult for those without air
conditioning or other means of cooling down to find respite from
the heat. Please check on the elderly, those susceptible to
heat,and protect all animals and livestock during this stretch of
hot temperatures.

An aspect that is less certain during this period of hot
temperatures is the thunderstorm forecast. The latest model
guidance trends toward thunderstorm chances on Saturday in western
Montana, especially along the Divide.

&&

.AVIATION...Lingering showers continue along the crest of the
Continental Divide early this morning and will continue to move
east and dissipate with time. High pressure will strengthen from
the west and gradually shift over the Northern Rockies in the next
24-48 hours, bringing a prolonged period of heat to the region.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...     Excessive Heat Watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday
     evening for Kootenai/Cabinet Region...Lower Clark Fork
     Region.

ID...Excessive Heat Watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday
     evening for Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern
     Clearwater Mountains.

     Excessive Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday
     evening for Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region...
     Orofino/Grangeville Region.

&&

$$