Cool, Wet Pattern Raises Flash-Flood Risk in Southern Montana and Northern Wyoming

Overview

• Forecasters say the region is running cooler than normal with daytime highs mainly in the 60s and 70s on Friday, Aug. 14, before temperatures climb back to seasonable levels Sunday and Monday.
• A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through at least tonight for the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes burn scars in southwest Montana because those scars can produce rapid runoff after heavy rain.
• Models show a moderate-to-high chance of at least 0.5 inch of rain across much of the area through Saturday and a 50–80% chance of an inch or more for locations west of Billings, increasing the risk of localized flooding.
• Although widespread severe storms are not expected, meteorologists warn that a few strong cells could drop intense rain over small areas and trigger flash floods in vulnerable gullies, roads, and campsites.
• The active pattern should persist into next week as multiple disturbances move through, with Tuesday currently flagged as the likely peak for renewed, more widespread rainfall.