Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – The Missoula Valley has been battered by strong, gusty winds over the past few weeks. So strong that I called Bob Nester, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, to ask him about the impact the winds might have on the potential risk of wildfires, even this early in the fire season.

“In June, the winds are stronger than usual because we haven't had a lot of strong ridges of high pressure overhead and we've had multiple systems move through. When that happens, the pressure gradient gets stronger, and when the pressure gradient or temperatures get stronger, the winds increase. So, given that, we've seen a little bit more of these weak systems move through.”

Strong winds prompted a call to the National Weather Service

Nester then pointed to the influence of the jet stream, which normally flows at an altitude of over 30,000 feet.

“You're talking about this flow of the jet stream. It's kind of like a flow of moisture, and that jet stream usually brings pretty good winds. Well, generally, the jet stream is a little further north in Canada this time of year, and we don't see as many systems with wind coming through. I guess that's one explanation for why we've had a little more wind than usual. Also, it hasn't been really hot, and we haven't even had a 32-degree day yet.”

Nester again referred to the jet stream and how it could affect future weather in Western Montana.

Nester pointed out how the jet stream is building up over the West

“We have a pretty strong ridge of high pressure building up over the West Coast of the United States right now, and it's winding its way across most of the West and will give us well above normal temperatures for a while. We'll probably see our first 32-degree day on Friday or Saturday, and the dry weather will continue for most of next week.”

Nester said western Montana has been lucky with plenty of moisture so far.

READ MORE: FOREST FIRE IN MISSOULA: LIGHTNING STRIKES LARGE PONDEROSA TREE

He said the fire risk was “normal” but it could dry out quickly

“Our fire season doesn't start until the third week of July in much of western Montana,” he said. “As far as large wildfires, we're at a point now where the fuels aren't really receptive to lightning strikes right now to start fires. As far as the big trees or even the small trees or bushes, they're just not really receptive right now. But usually in the summer, when we have a big, hot, dry system like this, it all dries out really quickly.”

Our Dennis Bragg will report more about the upcoming hot weather in the next few days.