High Wind — Madison, Montana

2021-09-18 · Madison, Montana

Event narrative

MDT Norris Hill station measured a 51 kt (59 mph) non-thunderstorm wind gust.

Wider weather episode

A vigorous Pacific weather system and attendant cold front brought scattered areas of strong wind gusts throughout the forecast area. An area of 50 kt + H700 winds streamed ahead of a cold front, some of which was transferred to the surface. One of the biggest impacts was the combination of these winds with critically low relative humidity. The Haystack Fire near Townsend grew to nearly 11,000 acres and prompted some evacuations. Later that evening, the cold front passed through the region and provided the strongest wind gusts of the day.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 986841. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.