Drought Conditions Expected Through Fall
Patrick Gilchrist of the National Weather Service in Glasgow and Tom Frieders of the National Weather Service in Billings provided information during a drought/ climate outlook for Eastern Montana briefing last week.
The briefing noted that Eastern Montana experienced much below average precipitation and above average temperatures during the first six months of 2021.
Temperatures between July 1-14 were 6-9 degrees above normal in Eastern Montana.
The officials said that Glasgow has received just 36 percent of its normal precipitation rate since Jan. 1. Other available figures from locations regarding low precipitation rates in Eastern Montana since Dec. 1 included Brockton at 57 percent, Circle at 61 percent, Sidney at 50 percent and Malta at 54 percent.
All of Eastern Montana is regarded to be in a severe or an extreme drought.
The three-month outlook, running from July 15-Oct. 31, shows the drought continuing for most of Montana and North Dakota.
Officials explained excessive heat is so dangerous because hot days and warm nights don’t allow our bodies to cool down.
The conditions can cause many health concerns including breathing problems, heat cramps, heat stroke and illness.
Individuals are encouraged to check on friends and family, drink water often, avoid unnecessary hard work and activities and stay in an air-conditioned area if possible.
High temperatures around the area on Monday, July 19, included 106 degrees in Culbertson, 108 in Froid, 105 in Sidney, 107 in Medicine Lake, 106 in Wolf Point, 110 in Glasgow, 108 in Jordan, 106 in Scobey and 106 in Poplar.
