Helena woke up Friday, August 14, to more of what the valley has been seeing since Wednesday — scattered showers, overnight storms, and a meaningful accumulation of rain for a region that doesn't always get this kind of late-summer relief. A majority of locations in the area picked up at least a tenth of an inch since Wednesday evening, and a handful of spots landed at or above one inch total.
The wet pattern is continuing through Friday, with more scattered showers and thunderstorms in the forecast. Residents heading into the backcountry or planning outdoor events should keep an eye on conditions, as afternoon storms can build quickly in the mountains ringing the valley.
For fire weather watchers, the moisture is welcome news after a dry stretch earlier in the season. How much lasting impact the rain has on fire danger will depend on how the next week of weather develops.