Montana's Hottest Augusts Ever Revealed

August is a month of transition here in Montana. It's one of the hottest months of the year, but it's also when we start looking ahead to fall.

Daylight Diminishes: Embracing Change

Even though we're still dealing with some of the hottest temperatures of the summer, there are signs that the seasons are changing. We begin losing daylight every day as we inch closer to the autumnal equinox. By the end of August, we've lost between 80 and 100 minutes of daylight compared to the beginning of the month.

Of course, August is also when wildfire season and smoke season really begin to ramp up. It's not unusual to see triple-digit temperatures across parts of Montana, and when you combine the heat with dry conditions, it can make for a long month.

Finding Relief: Montana's Unique Climate

The good news? This is still Montana.

Unlike many parts of the country, our low humidity and cool nights usually provide some relief. Even after a scorching afternoon, temperatures can drop dramatically once the sun goes down, making evenings much more comfortable depending on where you live.

August is also when we start saying goodbye to summer. Kids head back to school, football season kicks off, and thoughts start turning toward hunting season, changing leaves, and everything else that makes fall in Montana so special.

A Look Back: Historical Heatwaves in August

But before we get there, it's worth looking back at just how hot August has been over the years.

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Using NOAA data dating back to 1895, we can see which years produced the 10 hottest Augusts in Montana history. While this year may feel warm, history shows we've experienced some truly scorching summers across the Treasure State.