Despite a bit of a cool down today, a combination of still warm temperatures, low humidity with continued dry conditions, and gusty afternoon winds combine to increase wildfire risk. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until midnight tonight.

A cold front moving across the region from West to East during the morning hours will bring in slightly cooler temperatures. At the same time, it will trigger sustained winds this afternoon of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts to around 40 mph possible.

Afternoon high temperatures today will be mainly into the mid to upper 80s, close to average for this time of the year. Expect plenty of sunshine with the winds increasing during the afternoon and continuing this evening.

Tomorrow looks much quieter, with a highs mainly in the mid to lower 80s with less wind and plenty of sun. Scattered isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible over the weekend, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Billings forecast:

Today… Generally sunny, with a high near 87. Winds increasing this afternoon to 15 to 25 mph from the Northwest.

Tonight… Mostly clear with a low around 55. Strong winds in the evening taper off tonight.

Thursday… Sunny, and about 83 for a high. Winds will be generally light.