Thunderstorm Wind in Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Measured by MT Department of Transportation site Bowmans Corner.

Two episodes of severe weather were observed over this period. The first, on August 18, was related to a ridge breakdown by a strong shortwave. Dry low and mid levels resulted in deep inverted-V profiles, which were conducive to strong wind gusts.

The second episode of severe caliber gusts occurred on August 22nd. Moist southwesterly flow aloft, along with embedded shortwaves resulted in the developments of showers and thunderstorms across Central and Southwest Montana August 22nd. The area just experienced the remnants of Hurricane Hilary, which resulted in relatively moist lower levels, which in turn helped produce ample instability for severe thunderstorms.