MISSOULA — We are trackimg more moisture moving into the southwest part of the state this afternoon and evening.
This will increase cloud cover and chances of isolated thunderstorms and showers through the Bitterroot Valley through the afternoon and evening.
The moisture from the southwest continues to flow into the southwest tomorrow, but the area of high pressure to the south that the moisture is wrapping around will move north, so thunderstorm chances move north in our area, as well.
The Missoula and the Bitterroot valleys will both have isolated shower chances Thursday evening, but highs will still top out in the 90s once again. The isolated thunderstorms will be a wet and dry and produce frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for most of Southwest Montana Thursday afternoon and evening due to increased fire danger from lightning and gusty outflow winds from these storms.
Scattered chances return to all of the state Friday as a low pressure system pushes in from the west. This will allow cooler air to flow in and temperatures take a drop by Saturday.
Expect widespread showers to continue through the weekend and the rain could be heavy at times.
We will be watching for increased chances of flash flooding Friday and Saturday in low drainage areas such as cities and burn spot areas from recent fires, because some of these storms could produce heavy downpours.
