Weather
Billings, MT Weather Oct. 9: Fire Concerns Increase
Billings, MT – Hot, dry and breezy conditions will create elevated fire weather concerns around Billings Friday, Oct. 9, with the greatest risk focused on the foothills west of the city.
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-07T12:51:21.996Z
Billings, MT – Hot, dry and breezy conditions will create elevated fire weather concerns around Billings Friday, Oct. 9, with the greatest risk focused on the foothills west of the city.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, Friday temperatures are forecast to reach 80 to 85 degrees as relative humidity falls to between 10% and 20%.
West to southwest winds will add to the concern. Gusts of 20 to 35 mph are forecast, with the strongest winds expected across the foothills west of Billings.
The NWS said the greatest fire weather risk is in those foothills, where little precipitation fell during September. The combination of warm temperatures, very low humidity, dry fuels and gusty winds could make it easier for fires to start and spread.
The agency describes the threat as elevated fire weather concerns . The information provided does not indicate that a Red Flag Warning is in effect, so the conditions should not be characterized as an active warning.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could produce sparks and to avoid outdoor burning Friday.
The fire weather concern is geographically focused rather than uniform across all of south central Montana. Areas in the foothills west of Billings are expected to face the greatest risk because of the recent lack of precipitation and stronger forecast winds.
Residents should monitor National Weather Service updates heading into Friday in case fire weather alerts are issued, with the combination of 80 to 85 degree temperatures, humidity as low as 10% and gusts up to 35 mph making Friday the key period for concern.