Air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Moderate across Missoula County, but more air quality monitors are Yellow (Moderate) than Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) which I’d say is a slight improvement. Still, the smoke is quite noticeable out there and if you’re feeling a little sluggish today or have a headache, sore throat, or itchy eyes, go ahead, blame it all on the smoke. In yesterday’s update, I listed several ways that you can reduce your exposure to the smoke and PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in size) that’s in the air. To summarize: 1) clean your indoor air, 2) reduce duration and intensity of outdoor activities, 3) wear a well fitted N95 mask, 4) run your car air on recirculate. Visit MontanaWildfireSmoke.org for incredible resources and info about smoke, health impacts, and clean indoor air. Remember to take it easy when it’s smoky out!
The MT Department of Environmental Quality issued another Air Quality Alert for Missoula County in effect now until 9AM tomorrow (9/6/25) (explained in Wednesday’s update). Smoke from Canadian fires is still being transported south towards Western Montana, but come Saturday, winds are forecasted to shift and blow from the southwest. That means fires in the Bitterroot (East Fire, Mire Fire) have a higher potential of sending smoke towards Missoula County. The smoke we’ve been getting from Canada has more of a widespread, all-day impact because it’s so dispersed by the time it reaches us. Smoke from local fires has a higher chance of a diurnal impact meaning PM2.5 levels will increase throughout the evening as smoke down-drains into valleys. Smoke then builds up overnight and disperses as the sun warms up valley bottoms and promotes air mixing. Smoke forecasts are showing similar amounts of smoke this weekend as we’ve experienced the last couple of days, but for the most updated and current air quality conditions, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov. In the GOES 18 satellite imagery, you can see just how much smoke those Canadian fires are producing, but thankfully, the smoke is pretty light over most of the state now:
Missoula’s air quali-kitty has been receiving a lot of compliments recently (much apurreciated), but there’s plenty more air quali-kitties out there! Interested in your own? Check out the adorable adoptable pets at Animal Services! Just look at how cute Stella is!!!
(sorry no mushu pic today!)
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