High Wind and Red Flag Warnings are in effect for damaging winds and critical fire weather risk

Strong wind warning in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday for West Glacier Region, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region, Potomac/Seeley Lake Region, Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties. Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, gusts up to 65 mph possible.

Strong wind warning valid until 11 p.m. Friday for the Flathead/Mission Valley and Missoula/Bitterroot valleys. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph, gusts up to 55 mph possible.

WIND ADVISORY valid until 11:00 p.m. Friday for the Lower Clark Fork Region and the Kootenai/Cabinet Region. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

WARNING: RED FLAG valid until 10 p.m. Friday evening for the Deerlodge/Beaverhead National Forest. Low humidity and gusty winds lead to critical fire weather. Southwest to west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Local gusts exceeding 60 mph, particularly in the highlands. Minimum humidity: 10 to 15 percent.

Ahead of a cold front, we will see temperatures in the 70s and 80s with partly cloudy skies.

The cold front will arrive in northwest Montana between 3 and 5 p.m. and move through west-central and southwest Montana between 5 and 8 p.m. The strongest winds will occur along and just behind the frontal passage. Tree damage and power outages are possible.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected in southwest Montana. High wind and red flag warnings are in effect.

A few showers are possible as the front moves through. Snow levels will drop to about 5,500 feet.

High pressure will build from Sunday through the middle of next week, leading to mild, dry conditions. Crunchy overnight stays are also expected.