Western Montana Is In For a Serious Heat Up

A significant heat wave is bearing down on Montana this weekend, and forecasters say it's not the kind you shrug off.

According to MTN Meteorologist Joey Biancone, western Montana — including Missoula — is looking at temperatures climbing into the low 90s, while parts of eastern Montana could push into the mid-110s range, as reported by KPAX.

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch alongside the heat advisory.

Why Is It So Hot Right Now?

The heat is being driven by a strengthening monsoonal high pressure system over the desert southwest, which is funneling hot air northward into Montana.

The frustrating part: that same system is delivering the heat without bringing along any meaningful moisture, so there's little relief in the forecast.

Thinking About Jumping In the River? Read This First.

The Clark Fork and other local waterways might look like the perfect escape when the mercury spikes — but be careful out there.

Biancone notes that river and lake water temperatures are still very cold right now, fed by ongoing snowmelt coming off the mountains.

That combination — scorching air, frigid water — creates real risk for swimmers and floaters, so go in knowing what you're dealing with.

The Best Times to Be Outside This Weekend

If you want to get out and move, aim for early morning or the hours around sunset — that's when conditions will be most manageable.

Midafternoon is when heat stress peaks, so that's the window to spend indoors, in the shade, or somewhere with air conditioning.

How to Protect Yourself If You Have to Be Out

Hydration is non-negotiable — drink water consistently, not just when you feel thirsty.

Pack a cold, wet towel you can put on your head or neck to help regulate your temperature if you're stuck in the afternoon heat.

Know where you can find shade before you need it, and don't wait until you feel bad to act — heat can affect the body quickly at these temperatures.

Look Out for Your Neighbors, Kids, and Pets

Check in on elderly neighbors and anyone else who may not have easy access to a cool space — extreme heat hits vulnerable people hardest.

Keep young kids out of prolonged sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.

And this one bears repeating: do not leave pets in a parked car.

Biancone points out that interior vehicle temperatures can run 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside air — meaning if Missoula hits 100 degrees, your car's interior could reach 140.

Stay cool out there, Missoula — and keep an eye on the latest forecast from KPAX as the weekend approaches.