A forecast for thunderstorms would seem to be a good thing in a region like the Northern Rockies that is suffering from high temperatures, which were set to peak on Monday. But along with providing some relief from the heat, the storms predicted for Montana and other parts of the region early this week will also raise the risk of wildfires. A dry thunderstorm, like those in the forecast, produces little or no precipitation at the surface, according to the National Weather Service. These storms can produce rain just below the clouds, but because the air is so dry below, it evaporates before reaching the ground.

Source: New York Times July 19, 2021 18:44 UTC