Q2 Weather in the Billings area: The wind is coming now

BILLINGS – Critical fire weather conditions are expected for parts of the region Friday afternoon into Saturday. Wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or more could occur anywhere in the area during this period.

A ridge of high pressure will cause temperatures to rise 15 to 20 degrees above Thursday afternoon's highs across much of the area Friday afternoon. Haze formation from wildfires can occur.

Winds will increase around the Livingston foothills throughout the afternoon, increasing to gusts of 55 to 65 mph later in the evening. Winds will blow across the eastern Plains overnight and remain gusty Saturday.

A combination of wind, above-average temperatures, low humidity and the ongoing dry conditions have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions for Yellowstone County and most surrounding counties in Montana, as well as northern Wyoming through Saturday. A wind advisory or warning is in effect for the remainder of the area.

Temperatures will fall into the 60s to lower 70s, reaching highs on Saturday. Sunday will be a transition day as the wind will die down on Saturday evening.

The general pattern is warm and dry Sunday through the middle of next week. Lows will be in the 40s to 50s and highs will be in the 70s to 80s.