Drought

The connection between weather and climate change has never been clearer. And simultaneous extremes, such as hot and dry weather together, are particularly dangerous.

Extreme drought this time of year is especially bad as farmers are finishing up harvest and preparing to plant next year’s crop. With more high temperatures and no precipitation in the forecast, many farmers are being forced to make difficult decisions.

Montana’s cool, wet spring and early summer are on the cusp of giving way to hotter and drier conditions.

Montana’s cool, wet spring has improved the state’s drought conditions. The state is expected to release a snapshot of drought conditions Thursday.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s summer reliability report shows heatwaves affecting energy grids in Montana from June through September.

More water is expected to flow through Montana’s rivers than previously forecast. April’s precipitation provided a badly needed boost to the state’s snowpack.

With more drought, a growing population and the effects of climate change, Bozeman is susceptible to water supply challenges — especially in the summer, when about half of the city's water goes to lawns and landscapes.

Western Montana’s wildfire outlook is still uncertain. Forecasters are watching the precipitation, but say significant wildfires remain a risk in Montana this season.

Recent rain and snow improved drought conditions slightly in some parts of Montana. But it may not be enough to green up winter wheat fields that were planted last fall.

For the third consecutive month, precipitation was well below normal across most of Montana. Mountain snowpack is subpar across most of the state and time is running out to make up the difference.