This afternoon holds the promise of hot temperatures and gusty winds. That increases the risk of wildfires east of Billings, and the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms especially to the North of Yellowstone County.

A cold front will move across Montana today, reaching the Billings area in the early evening. High temperatures today will be into the 70s and 80s West of Billings, and the 80s and 90s from Billings towards the east.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms starts to develop especially in areas North of Billings by late this afternoon and this evening. That includes Roundup, Harlowton, and north towards Jordan. Severe storms will likely develop in Northeast Montana tonight.

A combination of hot temperatures, low humidity, and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph along in behind the cold front increase the potential for wildfires increases for areas east of Billings.

Saturday will trend cooler, with a highs in the 70s to mid 80s. Expect tomorrow to be windy at times.

Billings forecast:

Today… Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Afternoon and evening winds increase, with a chance of a late day shower or thunderstorm.

Tonight… Evening when Gus to around 40 miles an hour likely, with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 52.

Saturday… Sunny, with a high of about 81. Westerly winds of 15 to 30 mph.