Temperatures take a generous leap upward today, with highs mainly in the 60s, with some low 70s.A strong cold front this evening will create scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Most of the area will be mostly sunny today, but clouds will start to increase north of Billings ahead of the cold front this afternoon. Highs will be mainly in the 60s, with low 70s possible from Billings to the south.

Showers and a few thunderstorms will develop along and behind the front late this afternoon and this evening. A few storms may contain strong gusts of up to 50 mph, and small hail.

Scattered showers linger overnight, with low temperatures mainly in the 30s. Friday will be cooler, with highs in the 50s, and scattered morning showers.

Billings forecast:

Today...Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Light west wind.

Tonight...Mostly cloudy to cloudy, with a chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Low temperature is about 39.

Friday...Cooler, with a high around 54. Mostly cloudy after a chance of a morning shower.