Wind begins to pick up on Wednesday drawing more smoke our way.
Wind gusts around 20 to 30 mph are likely this afternoon.
A weak high pressure ridge will allow for highs in the upper 70s throughout Central Montana today.
Even stronger wind is expected on Thursday as a cold front moves through the state.
A few scattered showers are possible as this front moves through the state.
The best chances for moisture remain over the mountains.
Despite the cooler temperatures the fire danger will increase significantly Thursday afternoon due to the wind and low humidity.
The greatest fire danger will be in the eastern plains as this is where the hottest temperatures are expected.
The National Weather Service has a Fire Weather Watch scheduled to go into effect Thursday afternoon due to the fire weather conditions.
The watch includes nearly all of Central and Eastern Montana.
Temperatures will trend still cooler on Friday following the passage of Thursdays cold front.
The wind is also expected to remain very strong as we near the weekend.
A few lingering shower are possible through the weekend, however for the most part weather conditions are expected to remain dry.
Forecast models are still suggesting that a strong ridge of high pressure will rebuild early next week.
This pressure system will have the potential to drive temperature well above average by Wednesday of next week.
