Big changes in the weather are coming one after the other over the next few days.

Thursday morning rain and snow showers will decrease through the afternoon. That will allow a mix of clouds and sun to warm us to only the 30s and 40s, or about 5-10 degrees below late March averages in most places.

Things remain fairly quiet overnight, with early Friday temperatures in the 20s to low 30s in most places.

Friday, temperatures are pushed upward to the 40s and low 50s. It will be warmer from Billings to the mountain slopes to the west, but expect areas like Livingston to gust to about 50 mph.

Clouds increase during the day Friday. A cold front backs into the area from the east-northeast during the afternoon and evening. This will produce first rain, then snow. Gusty winds will accompany the front as it passes by.

Much of the areas has a chance of a rain/snow mix, with about 1 to 3 inches of snow by early Saturday in much of the area. Accumulations will trend higher in the mountains and foothills.

Saturday will be chilly, with highs in the 20s to mid-30s.

Billings forecast:

Thursday: A chance of morning snow showers or a rain/snow mix before noon. Patchy fog. A slight chance of rain shower, partly sunny, and a high near 46. Northerly wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Isolated overnight snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Gusty northerly winds 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon with gusts to about 40 mph.