BILLINGS — Possible record heat and critical fire conditions Wednesday. Hot, dry and breezy weather on Wednesday will create dangerous wildfire conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for counties of central Montana extending from Canada to the Wyoming state line. This includes areas from Bozeman to Billings extending southward to include Sheridan County, Wyoming.
Near record high temperatures are expected Wednesday with afternoon readings hitting the upper 80s to low 100s. Combined with relative humidity numbers in the teens, and the potential for gusty winds in the afternoon, any fire starts could spread quickly.
The most critical hours are expected to be from noon Wednesday through the late evening hours. Use care to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.
A cold front sinks through the region during the evening and overnight hours, pushing readings down to the 80s to low 90s Thursday. Wildfire concerns quickly decrease, but temperatures remain above seasonal averages.
By Friday, the beginning of a transition into cooler and wetter weather begins with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. A chance of showers and thunderstorms increases by Friday afternoon and evening including possible stronger storms in southeast Montana.
Billings forecast:
Wednesday… Sunny and hot with a high near 100. Record high for the date is 100 set in 1950, the latest date in the season Billings has officially hit triple digits.
Wednesday night… Winds increase during the evening as a cold front passes through increasing fire risk. Otherwise, clear to mostly clear with a low of about 61.
Thursday… Sunny and very warm, topping off at around 92.
