I’m thinking of hiring myself out as a rain maker. The last two weekends I’ve managed to account for three nice thunderstorms. Last weekend while in Butte it dumped more than a half inch of rain. The dark clouds, cooler weather and moisture have been a welcome relief to some southwestern Montana streams. Hoot owl restrictions on the lower Big Hole were eased, but we’ve still got August to contend with, meaning more warm, dry weather is in store. While you’re out enjoying Montana’s great outdoors this summer, please keep a wary eye on the clouds. Lightning storms can be especially dangerous. So if you’re on the water or out in the hills and fields, get out of the open because you are just a lightning rod in those situations. If you can’t get into a house or vehicle, look for a low-lying area where you can crouch down.
(Written by Brett French – Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette)
