MINERAL COUNTY - According to Forest Service authorities, the fire danger in Mineral County remains at the very high level and stage 1 restrictions remain in place. According to Forest Service Fire Prevention Officer Jim Ward, “There is no change to our drought status over the last week, the current U. S. Drought Monitor shows that we are still in extreme drought and shows impacts may be short and long term.”

Ward indicated, “Hot and dry conditions will continue across the region through Monday afternoon.  Overnight humidity recoveries will be quite poor over mid-slopes and ridgetop elevations once again tonight.  A surge of moisture from the Desert Southwest is anticipated to move across the area late Monday afternoon through Tuesday.  Dry lightning and intensified wind gusts associated with this moisture surge will be replaced by wet thunderstorms by overnight Monday.  Humidity will increase and temperatures decrease for Tuesday and Wednesday.  High pressure will return of the region on Thursday and Friday, with drying and warming to occur once again.  However, a few thunderstorms will linger across southwest Montana on Thursday afternoon and evening.”