BILLINGS — A stretch of mainly quiet late-summer weather is ahead for south-central and southeast Montana and northern Wyoming, with only spotty mountain storms through midweek. Rain chances increase Thursday, followed by a cooler, wetter, and more active pattern heading into the weekend and early September.
TUESDAY
Seasonable temperatures mainly in the 80s for highs and light winds will prevail across the region as high pressure strengthens overhead. Most lower elevations, including Billings, Miles City, Sheridan, and Broadus, will stay dry. Isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected over the Beartooth, Absaroka, Crazy, and Bighorn Mountains, with a few showers potentially drifting into nearby foothill communities such as Red Lodge and Livingston.
WEDNESDAY
Similar conditions continue with warm temperatures, low humidity, and generally dry weather across the plains. Another round of isolated mountain showers and thunderstorms is expected during the afternoon and evening, while most valley and plains locations remain rain-free. Highs will again range from the mid-80s to near 90 degrees.
THURSDAY
Rain and thunderstorm chances increase area-wide as an upper-level disturbance crosses Montana. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected from south-central Montana into southeast Montana and northern Wyoming. Some storms may produce locally heavy rainfall as additional moisture spreads into the region. Temperatures will remain warm, generally reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s before cooler air arrives.
FRIDAY
Warm conditions linger, but the weather pattern begins transitioning toward a wetter setup. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible, especially during the afternoon and evening. Highs will stay near or slightly above normal, with many locations reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s.
SATURDAY
A Pacific storm system moves inland, bringing cooler temperatures and widespread chances for showers and thunderstorms across the entire region. Rainfall coverage is expected to increase significantly compared to earlier in the week. High temperatures fall back into the 70s and lower 80s for many locations.
SUNDAY
Cooler and unsettled weather continues with scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms possible throughout south-central and southeast Montana and northern Wyoming. Periods of rain and occasional gusty winds may accompany the system as it moves through. Temperatures will remain below the warmth experienced earlier in the week.
EARLY NEXT WEEK
Forecast models indicate the active pattern will persist into the first week of September. Periodic disturbances are expected to bring recurring chances for showers and thunderstorms while temperatures remain near to slightly below seasonal averages.
