BILLINGS — Wednesday will see a change from very dry weather as much-needed moisture moves into the region. The day will start dry and any storms that develop through the afternoon won’t bring much rain. Storms that do move in could bring gusty winds over 35 mph and lightning. This, along with low humidity, will bring increased fire danger, especially in eastern Montana, where a Red Flag Warning will go into effect. Daytime highs will be mostly in the 80s.
Stronger winds from the southwest will help clear the haze on Wednesday, but some wildfire smoke may still linger in the air. Be sure to check the air quality before heading outside.
As moisture continues to move into the region, rain chances increase starting Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Friday as a low pressure system moves through. There is a slight risk (1 in 5) of a few isolated severe storms from 3 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, with the main danger being gusty winds up to 60 mph.
Thursday is expected to be the day with the highest rain potential, which could last into the early hours of Friday. There is a chance of strong to severe storms Thursday afternoon into the evening. Gusts up to 60 mph and hailstones the size of quarters are the main danger. Up to 2 inches of rain are possible across much of the area, with up to 1 inch (2.5 mm) west and southwest of Yellowstone County.
A cold front associated with the low pressure system could cool temperatures enough to cause snow showers to form over the Beartooths up to 9,000 feet, which could impact the pass passage on Friday. Over an inch and a half is possible.
The front will also bring cooler temperatures with highs between 15 and 21 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Dry conditions will return over the weekend when temperatures will rise to 21 to 25 degrees.
A look ahead to the coming week shows highs of around 27 degrees on a dry Monday. Some models predict rain again on Tuesday and temperatures will drop again in the middle of the week.
-Miller Robson
Q2 Morning Meteorologist
[email protected]
