Warm conditions and light winds can be expected through the day, with scattered thunderstorms that could produce large hail and strong winds by this evening. By the first of next week, our focus changes from thunderstorms to heat.

High temperatures today will be mainly into the mid-70s West of Billings, to the mid-80s from Billings to the East. With plenty of sunshine early, clouds will increase with scattered to isolated showers or thunderstorms later in the afternoon.

A few strong storms could develop this evening with the potential of large hail and strong winds. Saturday will see another chance for thunderstorms, especially East of Billings where wind and hail again will be the major threats.

Overall, temperatures will be mainly into the upper 70s to mid 80s Saturday and Sunday. Conditions remain on track for a hot and dry week ahead, with highs well into the 90s in most locations.

Billings forecast:

Today… Mostly sunny, with a high of about 87. Scattered showers and thunderstorms develop later this afternoon.

Tonight… Scattered showers and thunderstorms during the evening. A low near 57, and mostly cloudy overnight.

Saturday… Mostly sunny, with isolated afternoon and evening storms. Around 81 for a high.