BILLINGS — Thursday marks the transition in our weather to colder, wetter and windy conditions.
A cold front will bring strong westerly winds to the area today with wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph during the late morning through the evening. The front will also bring scattered showers, but they will be fast-moving with little accumulation.
High temperatures Thursday will be mainly in the 60s across northern Montana, and 70s through southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with the wind and showers.
Overnight readings will be mainly in the 30s and 40s, with winds decreasing during the evening hours and some clearing.
For Friday, highs drop significantly to the 50s was showers increasing as the afternoon and evening go on. Total precipitation could be one to 3 inches in many locations through early next week.
Snowfall in the higher elevations will impact outdoor recreation and hunting. Some wet snow is possible in areas West of Billings from Livingston North to around Harlowton and Judith Gap by Friday. Light snowfall is possible in the lower elevations by Monday morning through Tuesday including around Billings.
High temperatures Saturday through Tuesday will be mainly in the 40s, with lows in the 20s to low 30s with Frost and freeze conditions.
Keep in mind this will be a significant winter storm through north-central Montana. Check travel conditions.
Billings forecast:
Thursday… Increasing clouds with a high near 76. Winds increase to 15 to 30 miles an hour with possible when Gus to 45 mph during the afternoon and early evening. Scattered showers will increase during the afternoon and evening.
Thursday night… Scattered showers during the evening then mostly cloudy with a low of about 44. Winds decrease.
Friday… Partly to mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain showers. High of about 57.
