Montana- It is It has been a rainy spring in western Montana so far, and locals tilt help, but I wonder what that means now that fire season is starting. NonStop have looked at the latest moisture data from some of our local experts this year.

Of course, Western Montana has a healthy dose of rain showers these last few days. BWe would like to know what this means for our 'Water year' – and what this means for the people of Montana as summer approaches.

What is a water year', You may be wondering? A water year is the unit of measurement for precipitation – starting in October 1stafter the fall harvest is completed. It includes all winter snowfall and spring precipitation.

Matthew Ludwig, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, says: “WWe were really dry from November through February to March and April. But the end of April and early Myes, you know, the last 6 to 8 weeks have actually quitePrecipitation in most western parts of the United States was well above normal. Montana.”

So what impact does our current rainfall have? 'Water year' compared to the average after this wet spring?

“SÖ, Our water consumption is actually still quite low, but we have really caught up a lot in the last 6 to 8 weeks..”

Ludwig explains that the outlook for this summer is warmer and drier than normal, but these are not hard and fast Factors that determine how severe a fire season is.

In addition, other variables should also be taken into account: “You know, man-made fires will always happen, no matter what. But It is really these thunderstorms that tend to be our main cause of the larger fires.”

As always, you can stay updated on the weather forecast and fire conditions here: NonStop Local.