State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Declares May 17 a Statewide Day of Prayer for Rain
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed Sunday, May 17, 2026, as a Day of Prayer for Rain as drought conditions intensify across Montana.
“Across Montana, we are experiencing a persistent and extreme drought,” Gov. Gianforte said. “After an unseasonably warm and dry winter, I hope all Montanans will join me in this prayer for rain for the fields of our farmers, for the flow of our rivers and streams, and to mitigate the intensity of our wildfires.”
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, nearly 60 percent of Montana is facing drought conditions, with over 32 percent experiencing severe or extreme drought.
“Prayer is the most powerful tool we have,” the governor continued. “I ask Montanans who are faithful to join Susan and me in coming to God with thanks and praying for rain.”
View the governor’s proclamation here and below.
WHEREAS, Montana is facing a persistent drought affecting 60 percent of the state and nearly 523,000 Montanans; and
WHEREAS, drought conditions affect Montana’s farmers and ranchers, result in low water levels on rivers and other waterways, and can contribute to severe wildfire; and
WHEREAS, this year, Montana has seen 498 wildfires burning 15,980 acres with a majority being human-caused; and
WHEREAS, for 250 years, Americans have lifted prayers up to God to seek guidance through challenges in their lives; and
WHEREAS, President George Washington stated in 1789, “it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God”; and
WHEREAS, I ask all Montanans who are faithful to come to God with thanks and use prayer as the strongest tool to ask for rain;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2026