High Wind in Western and Central Chouteau County, Montana

Numerous weather stations in the zone measured high wind wind gusts and a few measured sustained winds of up to 4 to 6 hours. The highest wind gust was measured at Montana mesonet station Frenchman Ridge of 71 mph and measured an average sustained wind of 46 mph between 9:25am to 4:50pm MST. Law enforcement also reported reduced visibility from blowing dust due to the strong winds.

A fast-moving shortwave upper level trough followed by a shortwave ridge tracking near the International Border produced a strong surface pressure gradient on the 7th and accompanying strong winds across North-Central MT. Heading into the 8th, the upper level ridge broke down. This day brought a longer duration of strong sustained winds and widespread strong wind gusts over North-Central MT.