The current air quality across Missoula County is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov. Sensitive groups should limit their exposure to the smoke/PM2.5 in the air and everyone should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke: AQI Activity Guide.
GOES West Satellite Imagery at 8:30 a.m. on August 8, 2026.
Westerly transport winds continue to move wildfire smoke from large, active wildfires across Oregon and Washington to Missoula County and western Montana. Local fires just over in Idaho in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, including the Cascade, Wolf Creek, and Three Links Fires west of Hamilton, are causing localized impacts to the Bitterroot Valley and the lower parts of Missoula County. As wildfire smoke settles into valleys, expect worsened air quality overnight and improvements throughout the day as ground-level air warms up, rises, and mixes with the upper atmosphere.
Today, expect some clearing throughout the afternoon and early evening as surface winds pick up across Missoula County. As mixing heights drop around 8pm, expect overhead smoke to start settling into the valleys. Strong afternoon wind will also contribute to active fire behavior and increased smoke production. Winds are calmer on Sunday so we may not see as much clearing in the afternoon other than the daily clearing from rising mixing heights.
GOES West Satellite Imagery at 7:40 p.m. on August 7, 2026.
The Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek Fires in the Pioneer Mountains and the Moose Fire in the Sapphire Mountains are exhibiting very active behavior. Smoke from these fires will move west and continue to impact cities west of them including Butte, Dillon, Bozeman, Livingston, and Billings. People living in and visiting these places are experiencing air quality that is Unhealthy for Everyone (Red AQI).
Across the west, we are all experiencing a long, tough, smoky summer. Air pollution negatively impacts everyone’s health even if you don’t feel it in the moment. Be sure to check in on your friends, family, and neighbors both near and far to see how they’re faring. Do they have a portable air cleaners with a HEPA filter (NWE rebate) or another way to clean their indoor air so they aren’t exposed to the air pollution all day long? Let’s keep an eye on each other as this smoke season continues. Mushu, you local air quali-kitty, wants you to take care of yourself, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and know that this smoke won’t stay around forever!
