July saw just 3 days of rain

The Flathead Valley received just three days of measurable rain in July, finishing the month well below average in total precipitation.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Nester told the Daily Inter Lake on Tuesday that it was the 17th driest July on record for Kalispell. The area picked up just 0.28 inches of rain in the month, far behind the July average of 1.42 inches.

Measurable precipitation fell on July 1, July 3 and July 26, with almost all of the month’s rain falling on July 3.

June saw 1.95 inches of precipitation in Kalispell, which was about 0.61 inches below normal. Year to date, the Flathead has recorded 8.76 inches of precipitation. The average is 10.6 inches.

Despite the dry spell, the valley isn’t yet in a drought, Nester said. However, far Northwest Montana around Libby and Yaak are considered to be in a moderate drought. That area is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions.

Another day of hot weather is in store Wednesday, Nester said, before a cooling trend takes hold over the weekend. Highs will be in the mid 90s Wednesday, before falling to the mid 70s Friday and Saturday. Gusty winds are expected with the passage of the front Friday.

While the cold front will bring cooler temperatures, no precipitation is expected, Nester said.

Looking ahead, more warm and dry conditions are expected with highs near seasonal averages.