Smoke Forecast for Wednesday, July 10, 2024 8:00 AM
Current Conditions
Westerly flow has brought smoke into Montana from Washington, causing air quality to decline in the Northwest and West portions of the state. The areas most impacted are Libby, The Flathead, Missoula, and Bitterroot. However, Canadian wildfire smoke is affecting the Northeastern part of the state near Sidney and Glendive. The wind patterns will continue to draw smoke further into the state as the week progresses. The prevailing winds may cause areas in central and eastern Montana to experience light-density smoke.
The transport smoke has caused Libby, Kalispell, Thompson Falls, Frenchtown, Missoula, and Sidney monitors to fall in the moderate category.
Forecast
A strong ridge of high pressure has strengthened over the Northern Rockies, peaking in strength today. This system will limit atmospheric mixing and may cause smoke to increase in some areas. The wind has shifted and is carrying smoke east from fires in Washington across Idaho and into Montana for the next few days. Temperatures will remain hot and well above normal Thursday onward through this week. A subtle disturbance will pass through the region on Thursday causing temperatures to cool slightly, but readings will still be extremely warm for this time of year. High temperature, low relative humidity, light winds, and instability all contribute to potential fire development.
Conditions can change quickly as weather could stimulate active fires and the likelihood of new starts increases. Please keep track of concentrations at todaysair.mtdeq.us or the Fire and Smoke Map.
Tags: Smoke Forecast 2024