Warmer temperatures are being ushered in with the assistance of strong winds. Gusts up to 80 MPH are possible through the weekend in the north-central plains.

A warm front is slowly advancing northeast across central Montana, but some colder air is sinking into the river valleys.

Workers who maintained trails, removed combustible debris from forests, supported firefighters and secured funds for wildfire mitigation say staffing cuts threaten public safety, especially in the ...