weather

Here comes the heat, and a few other things

Friday will be hot and dry. But that is not our only concern.

As advertised, Friday will be hot with temperatures mainly in the 90s and some triple digits. For much of the area, it will be the hottest day so far this year.

An isolated high-based thunderstorms could develop in the mountains this afternoon, and could spread as far East as Billings. The threat from these storms will be gusty winds.

Some smoke from wildfires in Colorado and Utah will likely filter into the area. Otherwise, expect to sunny afternoon.

A cold front moves to the area Saturday afternoon with another chance for isolated thunderstorms that could produce a bit of rain and more wind gusts.

Highs will be mainly in the mid to lower 90s Saturday, and upper 80s to low 90s on Sunday with mainly sunny afternoons and warm overnights. Lows will be mainly in the 60s.

Billings forecast:

Friday… Sunny and hot with a high near 99. Southerly breeze 5 to 15 miles an hour. There could be some smoke. Isolated storms could produce gusty winds in the afternoon.

Friday night… Mostly clear with a warm overnight low around 66. Isolated evening storms could produce gusty winds.

Saturday… Sunny and hot with a high of about 93. Isolated afternoon storms have a slight chance of rain but mainly gusty winds.