Billings Prepares for Blustery Winds and Fire Threats as Cold Front Sweeps Through

Photo byNational Weather Service

High wind warnings and fire weather alerts issued for Billings and southeastern Montana as strong winds and dry conditions persist.

Billings Braces for Windy Conditions and Elevated Fire Risks Amid Dry Cold Front

BILLINGS — Issued by the National Weather Service at 2:19 AM MDT on October 4, 2024.

Strong Winds and Fire Weather Warnings Issued for Friday and Saturday

The National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts for the Billings region as a strong cold front brings gusty winds and dry conditions, elevating fire weather concerns. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon today through Saturday evening, with winds gusting up to 50 mph. In addition, a High Wind Warning has been issued for western and central Montana, where gusts could reach 60 mph, making outdoor activities and travel potentially dangerous.

The Fire Weather Watch for the eastern half of the region will take effect late tonight, further increasing the risk for wildfires, as humidity levels drop into the single digits and temperatures peak in the mid-80s. Residents are urged to avoid any outdoor burning and be mindful of wildfire risks throughout the day.

Dry Cold Front Brings Little Precipitation, Gusty Winds

As the cold front moves through late Friday night into early Saturday morning, it will bring strong winds but little to no precipitation, with only the potential for virga—rain that evaporates before reaching the ground. Temperatures will drop after the frontal passage, with highs on Saturday falling into the 60s and lower 70s, and overnight lows dipping into the 30s. Despite cooler temperatures, wind gusts will remain a concern, especially for southeastern Montana.

Fire Weather Worsens with Strong Winds and Low Humidity

Critical fire weather conditions will persist through Saturday across Montana and northern Wyoming, where winds combined with low humidity values of 15-20 percent will pose a dangerous wildfire threat. Residents in the upper Yellowstone and Stillwater valleys are under a Wind Advisory, and fire risks remain high, even with the cooler temperatures forecasted for the weekend.

Dry and Warm Conditions Continue Next Week

Looking ahead, dry and warm weather will continue into next week, with temperatures reaching 10-20 degrees above normal. Highs could climb back into the 70s and 80s by mid-week, although the winds are expected to calm down, reducing fire weather risks somewhat.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio. Please follow ThumbWind Publications for more local weather and news updates. Your helpful comments are welcome.