All-time record highs were set in several locations in Montana and Idaho on Saturday, including areas where wildfires started over the weekend.
West Glacier, Montana recorded its hottest temperature on record of 100° on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Missoula, Montana, along with Pierce, Idaho (105°). Thompson Falls, Montana tied its all-time hottest temperature (107°) as well.
Unfortunately, fires started over the weekend in the area, partially due to the incredibly intense heat.
Lightning activity on 8-11 started three fires in the park. The Howe Ridge Fire (pictured) is burning above Lake McDonald. Further details will be released as they are available.https://t.co/z42YXSOsML pic.twitter.com/mWbUecT4VR
— GlacierNationalPark (@GlacierNPS) August 12, 2018
The heat has built under a dominant ridge of high pressure over the West, continuing intense warmth across the region through the week. Cooler temperatures, however, are already starting to filter into the area, and it won’t be nearly as hot for the upcoming week. Temperatures are expected to mainly be around seasonal averages for mid-August, as the ridge of high pressure flattens out.
Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the record-breaking heat and the continued dry conditions across the West.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi