High Wind — Northern High Plains, Montana

2024-06-03 · Northern High Plains, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge measured two gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a peak gust of 71 mph.

Wider weather episode

A Pacific front kicked off a period of strong winds across Central and North-central Montana late day June 3. The initial period of stronger winds was attributed to mountain wave activity along and adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Front. A second surge of robust westerly flow just off the surface developed Tuesday the 4th, lasting into the overnight. Daytime mixing helped with translating gusts to the surface during the day on the 4th, with mountain waves taking over as the mechanism by nighttime. Winds subsided by the morning of the 5th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1179925. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.