The outlook is hot and dry across the region today, with temperatures into the 90s and triple digits. A chance for thunderstorms and gusty winds will increase this afternoon and this evening, with some storms East of Billings likely becoming severe.

Highs today will be mainly in the 90s West of Billings and triple digits from Billings to the East. Expect clouds to increase a little during the afternoon, with gusty winds developing as a storm system approaches tonight.

Billings is on the fringe of the area targeted for the best potential for strong to severe storms for this evening. The real bull’s-eye is in extreme Eastern Montana and the Western Dakotas for the potential of large hail and damaging winds late this evening.

Saturday will trend cooler, with a highs mainly in the 80s. Expect periods of wind to continue, especially early in the day.

Billings forecast:

Today… Mostly sunny and hot, with a high around 100. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Tonight… Partly cloudy, with a low near 64. Winds will increase with gusts to around 40 mph.

Saturday… Sunny to mostly sunny and cooler. Continued breezy with a westerly wind at 15 to 25 mph.