Billings, Montana – Hot, dry air and gusty winds are lining up across eastern Montana early Thursday, creating immediate fire risk as temperatures surge into the 80s and humidity drops as low as 10% through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, temperatures will climb between 75 and 85 degrees through Friday, with several locations including Billings, Livingston, and Sheridan expected to challenge or break daily record highs. Wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph will be common, with isolated gusts reaching 40 mph west of Billings along the foothills.
The combination of heat, wind, and very low humidity is elevating grass fire danger across much of the region. Areas along I-90 from Livingston to Billings and east toward Miles City face the greatest concern, where dry vegetation can ignite quickly and spread rapidly under gusty conditions.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and any activity that could produce sparks, including equipment use on dry grass. Fires that start in these conditions can move fast and become difficult to control.
This warming trend continues into Friday, with highs reaching 86 degrees in Billings and upper 70s to low 80s elsewhere. A cold front arriving Saturday afternoon is expected to bring cooler air and a chance of rain, helping reduce fire danger into early next week.
