Smoke from out-of-state fires and from the Bitterroot, primarily the Sharrott Creek Fire, is expected to impact the Missoula Valley through Monday. As of 4 P.M. Sunday, air quality in the Missoula Valley is mostly Unhealthy with some areas at Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Expect poor air quality through Monday in the Missoula Valley with potentially improved air quality by Tuesday. Clouds prevent a good satellite image of the smoke today.
Unhealthy air is more likely through Monday in the Florence and Lolo areas.
Seeley Lake and the Flathead Valley have better air quality than the Bitterroot and Missoula Valley areas if you are fortunate enough to be heading in that direction.
Unseasonably warm temperatures with the high pressure ridge continue to keep smoke in our area, but there is a good chance of improved air quality starting around Tuesday.
Benjamin Schmidt
Air Quality Specialist