BILLINGS — First, we warm up. Then bring on the showers and possible thunderstorms.
A high pressure ridge in the western U.S. combined with some wind down the east slopes of the mountains in the western part of our area will translate into a dry and warming start to the week. With afternoon sun, highs will reach mainly the 60s Monday.
Winds will be stronger in the eastern edge of Montana, bordering the Dakotas, with gusts to about 40 mph. Despite warmer temperatures, wind, and low humidity, fire risk is reduced thanks to recent rain and snow.
Tuesday is the warmest day of the week overall, with sunshine and highs mainly the mid-60s to low 70s.
We are still hitting the 60s for highs Wednesday. But by the evening, rain showers will become more numerous. Thursday expect scattered rain showers, and possibly a thunderstorm around west of Billings that could even produce a little small hail.
Billings forecast:
Monday… Sunny to mostly sunny with a high of about 66. Westerly wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday night… Mostly clear and slipping to around 40 by morning.
Tuesday… Sunny and warm. Near 71 for the high.
