Westerly winds did a most excellent job scouring smoke out of the Missoula Valley yesterday afternoon. Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality is expected today with longer lasting good air quality by Wednesday/Thursday as the weather system moves through the multi-state area.
Air quality may become Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or Unhealthy in parts of Missoula County through Wednesday, especially Lolo which is closer to the Sharrott Creek Fire. In Missoula, Tuesday afternoon breezes may keep air quality in the moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range with the potential for worse air quality Tuesday night and Wednesday before the weather system reaches western Montana.
Keep an eye on changing conditions by both looking outside and checking the Fire and Smoke Map and Montana Today’s Air for the most current air quality closest to you.
Benjamin Schmidt
Air Quality Specialist