290
FXUS65 KMSO 302010
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
210 PM MDT Sat Aug 30 2025

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

-  Warming and drying trend into next week, potential heat impacts
by early next week


Even though a ridge of high pressure is building over the region
today a very subtle feature is causing a few showers and
thunderstorms over northeast Oregon and central Idaho. These
storms could impact the southwestern portion of Idaho county
around Riggins, Pinehurst and Warren this afternoon. Gusty
outflow winds will be the biggest concern due to the dry low
levels.

The ridge will steadily strengthen Sunday into Monday causing hot
and dry conditions across the Northern Rockies. The lower valleys
of north central Idaho will once again be dealing with concerns of
heat risk since the days will be well above 100 degrees but the
minimums will struggle to drop below 70s. The biggest concern for
the Orofino to Riggins areas will be Monday through at least
Tuesday, but this heat risk could linger for a few more days.
The smoke from regional fires could limit temperatures from
reaching their full potential so the situation will continued to
be monitored.

The models are still showing the ridge shifting to the west by mid
week. This movement of the ridge will allow the winds to become
more northeasterly and bring slightly cooler temperatures across
western Montana.



&&

.AVIATION...Fair flying conditions are expected at the terminals
for the next 24 hrs. The terminals will encounter some northwesterly
winds until 31/03z. Smoke from regional fires will continue to
create hazy conditions throughout the forecast period.


&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

$$