Red Flag Warning in Effect for Northeast Montana

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Glasgow has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeast Montana, effective immediately. The alert was triggered by a combination of high-velocity winds and low relative humidity levels, which create critical fire weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts Fire Weather Zones 122, 134, 135, 136, and 137. Specific geographic regions include:

• Counties: Dawson, McCone, Prairie, Richland, Wibaux, Southern Petroleum, and Southern Garfield Counties.
• Northern Regions: Northern Valley and Northern Phillips Counties.
• Landmarks: The Little Rockies and the Lower Missouri River Breaks, including the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: West winds between 30 to 45 mph are expected, with dangerous gusts reaching between 55 mph and 70 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 25 to 30 percent.
• Impacts: Under these conditions, any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected zones are advised that outdoor burning is not recommended. The National Weather Service urges the notification of appropriate officials and fire crews in these areas to prepare for potential fire starts. Exercise extreme caution with any equipment or activities that could provide an ignition source.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is currently in effect and is scheduled to expire at 9:00 PM MDT this evening, March 8, 2026.