Multiple fires reported

Dry winds and warm temperatures were observed throughout the state for the week ending Aug. 19, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Montana. The high temperature for the state was recorded in Glendive and Broadus at 104 degrees. The low temperature for the week was recorded in Yellowstone at 18 degrees. Precipitation was reported at 60 weather stations. The highest recorded precipitation for the week was in Busby with 2.05 inches of moisture. Topsoil moisture conditions for the state were 35 percent adequate to surplus, above last year’s 2 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 43 percent adequate to surplus, which is above last year’s 10 percent. Producers noted heavy smoke due to multiple fires in northwestern parts of the state. Valley County was reported to be in a D2 drought, and suffering from invasive cheatgrass. Lake County reported that a good cherry season had wrapped up.