Montana weather: Wildfire containment and drought updates

Montana is entering October with a mix of seasonal transitions and ongoing wildfire management concerns. While the state's largest fires of the year are nearing containment, fire managers remain cautious due to a dry forecast and high wind warnings. The 35,000-acre Sand Creek Fire is 83% contained, and the 10,800-acre Bobcat Lakes Fire has reached 91% containment.

The Montana DNRC reported 20 new fire starts across the state in the past week, including eight large fires. High wind warnings have been issued for the Rocky Mountain Front and Northern Divide, with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 75 miles per hour, raising the risk of new fire starts.

Drought conditions in the state are showing signs of easing compared to previous years. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought is now limited to the southeast corner of the state, specifically in parts of Powder River, Carter, Fallon, and Custer counties. Moderate drought conditions persist across a widespread area stretching from the Beaverhead and Madison valleys to eastern counties like Rosebud and Richland, while western Montana has seen the disappearance of multi-year droughts in areas like the Blackfoot watershed.