MISSOULA — Smoky and hazy skies along with hot temperatures will continue across the northern Rockies Thursday as highs soar well into the 90's.
The valleys of north-central Idaho will even see temperatures reach the 100 degree mark by the afternoon.
Thunderstorms make a return to the forecast this afternoon and evening with most of those developing south of the I-90 corridor.
Because of these storms along with the possibility of frequent lightning and gusty winds, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for southwest Montana from 12 pm - Midnight tonight.
Thunderstorms will become more widespread and cover all of western Montana Friday and Saturday afternoon and evenings.
There is the potential for storms to become strong on both these days with heavy rain, gusty winds, hail and frequent lightning all possible.
Expect high temperatures to top out in the 80's Friday and Saturday.
A significant cool down is still expected Sunday with rain continuing to fall across western Montana. Daytime high temperatures that were once in the 90's and 100's, will now range in the 60's and 70's.
Mountainous terrain will be even cooler with highs struggling to reach 50 degrees. Those with outdoor plans this weekend, especially if you are planning to head to the mountains, be prepared for unseasonably cool, wet and raw conditions.
A drier weather pattern will set up Monday and continue through next week with temperatures running slightly below average, upper 70's to middle 80's.
