BILLINGS — In the short term, wildfire smoke and hot temperatures will be the primary weather concerns. As we head towards the end of the week, temperatures will moderate closer to seasonal averages, but there is a possibility of a few thunderstorms.
Air quality is becoming a major concern as smoke from Canadian wildfires, the Pacific Northwest, and fires in Montana and Wyoming continues to move into the region. Expect an increase in smoke and haze on Monday.
Although the smoke may slightly lower the highs, hot temperatures remain a significant concern early in the week. Temperatures will be in the 90s, with triple digits possible, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.
This upcoming period will see consistent afternoon highs reaching 90° or higher. Thursday could potentially be a record-breaking hot day for Billings, with the 25th of July being the only day of the month without a record high in the triple digits.
A weather system known as a “ridge crasher” will move through on Thursday, bringing hot temperatures ahead of it. Thunderstorms with wind could increase the risk of fires starting or spreading by Thursday afternoon and evening, so caution should be exercised with sparks or flames.
Expect scattered storms on Friday and throughout the weekend, with temperatures closer to late July averages. This means mainly 50s in the morning and 80s in the afternoons.
