Today’s Forecast:
☀
91°F
Current Temperature
Clear
⚠️
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 23 at 1:57PM MDT until July 25 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT (Expires: July 25, 2026 10:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag
Warning for hot temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative
humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM Friday to 9 PM MDT
Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* AFFECTED AREA...Eastern Glacier/Toole/Central/Eastern
Pondera/Liberty, Hill and Blaine Counties, Lewis and Clark
National Forest Rocky Mountain District-Rocky Mountain Front,
Chouteau and Fergus Counties and Central and Eastern Lewis and
Clark National Forest Areas.
* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent.
* TEMPERATURES...Near 100 on Friday and up to 105 on Saturday.
* THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to widely scattered showers and
thunderstorms may cause localized strong, and erratic wind
gusts and lightning, mostly over zones 115 and 117 Saturday
afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Containment of any ongoing or new fires may be very
difficult.
Instructions:
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are
either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these
areas of this Red Flag Warning.
⚠️
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 23 at 12:51PM MDT until July 25 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT (Expires: July 25, 2026 1:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory through Saturday morning,
temperatures up to 101 F. For the Extreme Heat Warning Saturday
afternoon and evening, dangerously hot conditions with temperatures
up to 108 F. For the second Heat Advisory Saturday night into
Sunday, temperatures up to 101 F.
* WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Cascade County
below 5000ft, Fergus County below 4500ft, Hill County, Judith Basin
County and Judith Gap, Northern Blaine County, and Western and
Central Chouteau County.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, from noon Friday to noon MDT
Saturday. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT
Saturday. For the second Heat Advisory, from 9 PM Saturday to 9 PM
MDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat.
Instructions:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
⚠️
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 23 at 12:51PM MDT until July 26 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT (Expires: July 26, 2026 10:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory through Saturday morning,
temperatures up to 101 F. For the Extreme Heat Warning Saturday
afternoon and evening, dangerously hot conditions with temperatures
up to 108 F. For the second Heat Advisory Saturday night into
Sunday, temperatures up to 101 F.
* WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Cascade County
below 5000ft, Fergus County below 4500ft, Hill County, Judith Basin
County and Judith Gap, Northern Blaine County, and Western and
Central Chouteau County.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, from noon Friday to noon MDT
Saturday. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT
Saturday. For the second Heat Advisory, from 9 PM Saturday to 9 PM
MDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat.
Instructions:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
⚠️
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 23 at 12:51PM MDT until July 25 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT (Expires: July 25, 2026 10:00 pm)
Show Alert Details & Instructions
Description:
* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory through Saturday morning,
temperatures up to 101 F. For the Extreme Heat Warning Saturday
afternoon and evening, dangerously hot conditions with temperatures
up to 108 F. For the second Heat Advisory Saturday night into
Sunday, temperatures up to 101 F.
* WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Cascade County
below 5000ft, Fergus County below 4500ft, Hill County, Judith Basin
County and Judith Gap, Northern Blaine County, and Western and
Central Chouteau County.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, from noon Friday to noon MDT
Saturday. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT
Saturday. For the second Heat Advisory, from 9 PM Saturday to 9 PM
MDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat.
Instructions:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
This Afternoon:Patchy smoke and a slight chance of rain showers. Sunny, with a high near 99. West southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight:Patchy smoke and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday:Patchy smoke before 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 101. West southwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Today’s Report:
Not Recommended for biking. High near 97°F. Low rain risk (16%). Light wind (8 mph). Hot temperatures (high near 97°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (97°F).
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Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
-
Rain: Favorable conditions
-
Wind: Favorable conditions
-
Heat: Marginal weather factor
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Smoke: Marginal weather factor
-
Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
-
Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
-
Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
-
Alert: Unfavorable weather factor
⚠️ Active weather alerts affect this activity!
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
6/100
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 97°F. Low rain risk (16%). Light wind (8 mph). Hot temperatures (high near 97°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (97°F).
-
Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
-
Rain: Favorable conditions
-
Wind: Favorable conditions
-
Heat: Marginal weather factor
-
Smoke: Marginal weather factor
-
Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
12/100
Not Recommended for outdoor events / activities. High near 97°F. Low rain risk (16%). Light wind (8 mph). Hot temperatures (high near 97°F). Smoke or haze in forecast. Temperatures outside comfort limits (97°F).
-
Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
-
Rain: Favorable conditions
-
Wind: Favorable conditions
-
Heat: Marginal weather factor
-
Smoke: Marginal weather factor
-
Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Tomorrow's Outlook:
Not Recommended
12/100
About Great Falls & Giant Springs
Great Falls & Giant Springs is a Montana destination for Missouri River paths, paddling access, cycling, parks, and outdoor events.
Make the Most of a Great Falls & Giant Springs Day
Use the forecast to match the day’s route, launch, road access, and turnaround time to wind, precipitation, temperature, smoke, water conditions, and elevation. Keep a shorter or lower-elevation backup ready.
Weather Tips for Great Falls & Giant Springs
- Check current access, alerts, fire restrictions, and local forecasts before setting out.
- Cold water, waves, current, wind, and lightning should guide launch and crossing decisions more than sunshine alone.
- Montana weather can shift quickly; carry layers, sun protection, water, and a reliable navigation plan.
- Allow extra daylight for remote roads, seasonal traffic, wildlife, and changing trail or shoreline conditions.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Giant Springs State Park
- River’s Edge Trail
- Black Eagle Falls
- Ryan Dam
- Great Falls
Plan Around the Conditions
Choose the safest and most enjoyable version of a Great Falls & Giant Springs day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, smoke, temperature, road access, trail surfaces, water conditions, and daylight.
7-Day Forecast for Great Falls & Giant Springs
Great Falls & Giant Springs Weather by Season
Winter
Winter around Great Falls & Giant Springs can bring snow, ice, strong wind, short daylight, and abrupt cold. Check road, trail, campground, and facility access before leaving, and expect conditions to change sharply with elevation. Cold water and ice remain serious hazards even when the air feels mild.
Spring
Spring is variable, with freeze-thaw cycles, mud, lingering mountain snow, rising water, and occasional late storms. Lower routes often open well before high-country roads and trails. Cold water and ice remain serious hazards even when the air feels mild.
Summer
Summer generally offers the broadest access, but heat, afternoon thunderstorms, wildfire smoke, fire restrictions, gusty wind, and limited shade can alter plans. Start exposed outings early and carry more water than expected.
Fall
Fall brings cooler days, clearer periods, changing color, shorter daylight, and the possibility of early snow. Seasonal services can close before winter weather becomes continuous, so confirm local operations.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: around 40–46°F, using the relevant local and elevation context.
- Annual snowfall: commonly 35–70 inches in valleys and foothills, while nearby mountains receive much more.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
- Wettest season: late spring and early summer often bring the most precipitation, with local mountain variation.
- Driest season: midsummer is often driest, although thunderstorms remain possible.
- Best outdoor window: June through September for the broadest access, with shoulder seasons useful at lower elevations.
