BILLINGS – The storm clouds are starting to gather across south-central Montana this Thursday afternoon.
Our temperatures are still in the low 70s but are forecast to go higher, which will add to the lift these thunderstorms need to grow to severe levels.
The thunderstorm outlook for Thursday shows a large portion of Montana, Idaho and parts of northeastern Wyoming with an increased risk of severe thunderstorm activity today.
The Doppler radar shows heavy showers and thunderstorms in Idaho, Western Montana and Northwestern Wyoming. One, Storm even produced a tornado at 2 p.m. in eastern Idaho..
Our computer models are showing these thunderstorms will make their way to the Billings area probably around 4:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
Heavier storms from north of Billings all the way to Great Falls are expected at that time as well.
Another batch of rain moves in around 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. but is not expected to be nearly as strong as the earlier storms.
Our temperatures will get into the mid-70s at 3 p.m. and then dip back down into the 50s overnight.
BILLINGS FORECAST
Tonight: A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Billings until 10 p.m. There is a 60 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into the early evening hours with more rain overnight. Some of the storms may be severe in the early evening. North winds 5 to 15 mph. Low 55 degrees.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 60 percent chance for morning showers and more thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph. High 68 degrees.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and continued mild. West winds 10 to 20 mph. High 75 degrees.
