BUTTE — An active weather day gives way to a quieter start to the week across southwest Montana. Bozeman, Butte, Dillon, Ennis, and West Yellowstone will see cooler, drier conditions Monday before thunderstorm chances gradually return during the middle and latter part of the week.
SUNDAY
A cold front swept through southwest Montana this evening. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible. Behind the front, west winds become gusty and humidity drops quickly, creating elevated fire weather concerns across much of southwest Montana. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms may also lead to new fire starts.
MONDAY
The storm system exits the region, leaving behind mostly dry conditions and seasonable temperatures. A few isolated late-day thunderstorms are possible near the Idaho border from Monida to West Yellowstone, but most locations, including Butte and Bozeman, remain dry with a mix of sun and clouds.
TUESDAY
Weak high pressure brings warmer temperatures across southwest Montana. Much of the area stays dry, though isolated afternoon thunderstorms may develop over the mountains, especially near Yellowstone National Park and along the Continental Divide.
WEDNESDAY
Moisture begins increasing across the Northern Rockies, leading to a better chance for scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Storm coverage expands across the mountains and valleys of southwest Montana, including Bozeman, Butte, Dillon, and Ennis. Some storms may contain lightning and gusty winds.
THURSDAY
Thunderstorm chances continue as moisture lingers across the region. Expect another round of scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, with locally heavy rainfall possible in some locations while others receive little precipitation.
FRIDAY
An approaching Pacific Northwest trough begins to weaken the ridge. Southwest Montana remains warm, but increasing winds and scattered thunderstorms could elevate fire weather concerns once again, particularly where rainfall has been limited.
SATURDAY
Temperatures ease back slightly as the weather pattern becomes more unsettled. Breezy afternoon conditions and scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible across Bozeman, Butte, Dillon, and the surrounding mountain ranges, maintaining a typical late-August mix of warmth, wind, and occasional storms.
