High Wind — Madison River Valley, Montana

2025-12-24 · Madison River Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet station MTNOR Norris Hill (MT DOT) measured a 61 mph gust and also measured sustained winds, averaged over 2 hours, of 40 mph.

Wider weather episode

Sufficient southerly flow and a pressure gradient combined to result in a couple periods of stronger winds across north south oriented valleys of Southwest Montana on either side of Christmas day. The Madison River Valley saw the strongest winds at the surface at lower elevations, though high winds were only observed on the 24th there.

In addition to the stronger southerly winds, a rather potent shortwave and sufficiently cool temperatures aloft allowed for some instability to develop across the plains of North-central Montana Dec 26. Convective showers and a few lightning strikes developed from this, resulting in a few 50+ kt gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1306686. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.