BILLINGS — Dry and warm weather Wednesday will increase wildfire concerns with near record high temperatures. A cold front Wednesday night will bring rain, cooler temperatures and snow in the higher elevations.
As the very strong upper-level ridge that's been dominating our weather starts to shift more to the east Tuesday night and Wednesday, winds will increase closer to the mountains, with low humidity and warm afternoon readings. All of this will add up to fire weather concerns over a widespread area.
Close to record high temperatures are possible by Wednesday afternoon across much of eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. Most of the highs will be in the 70s to mid-80s after starting off in the 40s.
Overnight, Wednesday through Thursday, we'll see snow start to develop in the higher terrain in the mountains to the west of Billings. A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains from early Thursday through Friday afternoon.
Snow and wind could also have consequences in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming and the Pryor Mountains of southern Montana. Snow levels could be as low as 5,000 feet Thursday night into Friday.
Rain in the lower elevations could also be impressive, with 1/4 to 1/2 inch possible in much of the area from Billings to the south. Rain totals will be less in eastern Montana and across the northern half of the state.
After hitting highs in the 40s and low 50s on Friday, temperatures will be chilly Saturday morning into the 20s and 30s. By Sunday onward, temperatures rebound mainly to the upper 50s and 60s, which is typical for this time of the year.
