Wednesday is a rain day. For some, the rain will be heavy. For others, it could mean damaging hail and wind.

Showers and thunderstorms that produce areas of heavy rain will continue Wednesday, as a storm system slows it moves across the region. The highest rain accumulations are expected in areas from Billings towards the West, and will total an inch or more.

A few severe storms capable of producing large hail and strong winds could develop in Eastern Montana toward the Dakotas Wednesday afternoon and evening.

With more precipitation and warmer temperatures expected, rising water levels are expected in the rivers and streams around the region through the holiday weekend. This will keep the Musselshell River near to above flood stage upstream from Roundup, and will keep other streams near or above flood stage through the end of the week.

Expect precipitation to taper off Wednesday night. A drying and warming trend will begin Thursday, and some locations could be close to 90° for the first time in 2018 by Friday or Saturday.

Billings forecast:

Wednesday… Showers and possibly a thunderstorm that could produce heavy rain. High of about 67.

Wednesday night… A chance of showers or thunderstorms during the evening then mostly cloudy overnight. Low near 54.

Thursday… An isolated shower thunderstorm possible in the afternoon. Otherwise, mostly sunny with a high of about 82.