BILLINGS — After setting a record high temperature Wednesday, Thursday is within reach of another record hot day.
As a ridge of high pressure holds in the region, expect sunshine with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Thursday afternoon. Winds will be light throughout the day and overnight, with temperatures in the 50s to around 60 early Friday morning.
Friday will trend cooler but still above seasonal averages. Highs will range from the mid-70s to mid 80s with increasing afternoon clouds.
By Friday afternoon and evening, a chance of showers and thunderstorms will start to move across the region from west to east. Areas south of Billings through northern Wyoming could see some stronger storms with gusty winds being the biggest threat.
Saturday remains quiet and feels more fall-like, with temperatures expected mainly in the 70s. Highs remain mainly in the 70s next week with showers and thunderstorms possible Sunday and Monday.
Wednesday, the Billings airport reached 101 degrees, setting a new Sept. 4 record. The previous record was 100 degrees in 1950. That marks the latest in the season Billings has hit the 101 degree mark.
The record high temperature for Billings on Thursday is 95 degrees set in 1945 and reached again in 2013.
Billings forecast:
Thursday… Sunny and hot with a high near 92. A light breeze.
Thursday night… Clear to mostly clear with a low of about 60.
Friday… Increasing afternoon clouds with a high of around 83. The chance of a shower or thunderstorm increases through the afternoon and evening.
