Jet-Driven Winds Continue Across Billings Region
An unusually strong upper-level jet is producing persistent northwest gusts that could exceed 60 mph in mountain areas, with conditions favoring damaging gusts and large hail this evening.
Overview
- Strong west-to-northwest winds are expected to persist across the Billings area and nearby western communities due to an anomalously strong jet stream.
- Areas west of the Billings–Red Lodge line face a good chance of gusts over 45 mph while Big Timber, Livingston, and Harlowton are forecast to see gusts around 50 to 60 mph.
- Higher elevations in the Crazy Mountains could experience the strongest conditions with gusts that may top 60 mph.
- Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop in north-central and northeast Montana tonight with a risk of damaging thunderstorm wind gusts and large hail that could compound existing wind damage.
- Forecasts show a brief calmer and warmer period before models suggest a Pacific Northwest trough may raise the risk of more widespread thunderstorms this weekend, so residents should monitor updates and prepare for downed trees, power outages, and hazardous travel.