A cold front will move to the area today, producing areas of rain and snow showers and strong winds. A cold front on Sunday will produce heavier snow and a prolonged period of really cold temperatures.

Temperatures will warm mainly into the mid to upper 30s across the region today, but could peak relatively early in the day and begin to slip downward or hold steady through the afternoon. As a cold front moves through, areas of rain and snow showers will develop especially from Billings to the West.

While the mountain foothills could pick up a quick 2 to 5 inches of snow, the lower elevations, including Billings will likely see an inch or less of snow, with the possibility of some rain mixed in. Areas to the East of Billings have less probability of precipitation.

Saturday morning temperatures will be into the single digits in teens, and warm to the 20s to low 30s with lots of sun.

Sunday, another round of more substantial snow will start to move in. Numbers will continue to be adjusted, but Billings could see 3 to 6 inches of new snow through Monday.

A prolonged period of cold begins Monday. Highs will be in the single digits, and overnight lows will drop below zero consistently through the week.

Billings forecast:

Friday… Mostly cloudy to cloudy, with a high near 38. Rain or snow showers are possible through the afternoon and early evening, with temperatures beginning to drop.

Friday night… A chance of evening snow showers, and the gradually clearing overnight. A low of about 13.

Saturday… Sunshine, with a high near 31. Southwest wind 15 to 25 mph could push wind chill values to -5.