High Wind in Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Montana

Multiple stations measured high wind gusts through the time period, with the majority of high winds being on the 8th. A few weather stations also reported high sustained winds of up to 7 to 9 hours on the 8th. The highest wind gust measured was 68 mph at Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser MT DOT where they also measured an average high sustained wind of 44 mph from 12:45am to 4:30pm MST on the 8th. Dispatch also reported blowing dust around the area.

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.