Helena baked through what forecasters called the hottest stretch of the year so far, with an upper-level high-pressure ridge parked over southwest Montana and the National Weather Service issuing a Heat Advisory running through Monday evening. But the heat story this week wasn't just about uncomfortable afternoons — it was about the downstream effects that came with it. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks used the spike in temperatures to remind residents that rattlesnakes are on the move, more active and more likely to turn up in yards, on trails, and near water sources as they seek cool ground. Midweek fog complicated commutes for parts of north-central Montana before burning off. Taken together, the week's weather coverage painted a consistent picture: summer in Helena has arrived hard and fast, and it's changing daily routines in ways both obvious and subtle. If you're heading out to one of this week's outdoor events — the Last Chance Street Dance, Symphony Under the Stars at Carroll College, or the Saturday concert series out in Lincoln — the NWS advisory is worth a second look before you go.