Butte-area temps turn toasty this week
Area residents should brace for high temperatures this week that could come close to breaking records.
Ray Greely, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, said there is a high-pressure system moving in from the West, bringing temperatures that will be in the high 90s or lower triple digits.
Temperatures in Butte will hover between the high 80s to low 90s through the week, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula.
It is expected to hit 91 in Butte on Wednesday and 92 on Thursday. It is expected to hit 90 degrees on Friday and then dip down to the high 80s for the weekend. The hottest temperatures in western Montana are expected Tuesday through Thursday, when the area could see highs up to 105 degrees, according to NWS reports.
The system shows no sign of moving along quickly and may linger for a week or two in the area and may sizzle through the end of July. He said the Helena Valley is one of the hotter spots, with temps in the 90s through next week.
"It's definitely a longer pattern," Greely said, adding it will not be extremely hot the entire time, but will be above normal for a few days.
He said it was shocking because of the "ramp-up" speed of the higher temps, noting it has been cooler and the Helena area is going into an early summer pattern.
"It was definitely nice while it lasted," Greely said.
Greely said the temperatures will peak Wednesday and Thursday with temps in the upper 90s and lower 100s. He said it will be little cooler toward the weekend.
A National Weather Service chart shows the expected high for Wednesday in Helena to be 101 degrees, nipping at the heels of the record high of 102 degrees in 1973. Thursday's high is expected to be 100 degrees, tying the record from 2002.
He said there is a chance of thunderstorms, which could spark fires. Greely said fire season "has been slow to ramp up, but it will ramp up in a big way this week."
He said the heat will accelerate the seasonal drying of fuel such as grass and other vegetation and urged people to be careful of starting fires if outside.
Greely advises people to prepare for by the heat wave by limiting their outdoor activities to earlier or later in the day. He said people should wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and stay hydrated.
And if possible, people should stay in air-conditioned areas and if they don't have air conditioning, find a place that does.
St. Peter's Health Ambulance Director Dave Webster echoed Greely's comments and offered additional tips:
■ Use sunscreen
■ If you're out and about exploring, hiking, biking, etc., use the buddy system
■ Seek shade
Assistant editor Phil drake can be reached at 406-2319021.