High Wind — Northern Blaine County, Montana

2025-12-15 · Northern Blaine County, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet stations MTCHK Chinook and MTM48 Chinook E MDA both measured gusts in excess of 58 mph, in addition to MTCHK measuring sustained winds averaging 40 mph over an hour. The peak observed gust was 63 mph at Chinook E MDA.

Wider weather episode

Strong zonal flow ahead of an initial shortwave during the afternoon of the 15th was translated to the surface through early on the 16th. These winds were stronger and more widespread than the previous event a day prior, but paled in comparison to the winds that developed just a day or so later on the 17th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1303305. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.