Fire weather concerns increase across the area.
Thursday will start with sunshine in a few clouds, and highs moving up in the mid-90s.
An approaching cold front will bring an increased chance of high-based thunderstorms with gusty winds by Thursday afternoon and evening. This will start initially over the mountains and foothills and spread to the lower elevations.
The storms will create some rain, but erratic winds could cause problems for any existing or new wildfires.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue on Friday, with slightly cooler temperatures.
Things look more settled over the weekend, with highs mainly in the low 80s and lows in the 50s. Expect a mix of clouds and clear skies.
Billings forecast:
Thursday… Mostly sunny and hot with a high in the mid-90s. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Thursday night… Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Otherwise, mostly cloudy with a low around 63.
Friday… Increasing clouds and very warm. Near 89 for a high. A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms by the afternoon and evening.
