Smoke Forecast for Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:30 AM
Current Conditions
Wildfires across Canada have experienced tremendous growth over the last few weeks. Through early June, Canada is nearly on the same pace as the unprecedented fire season of 2023, when more than 45 million acres burned. A northerly flow behind a front is sending smoke into Montana, particularly along and east of the Continental Divide.
At 8:00 AM Sunday, Billings was experiencing air that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Choteau, Sleeping Giant, Helena, Butte, Bozeman, Great Falls, Lewistown, Havre, Glasgow, Sidney, Glendive, Miles City, and Broadus’ air quality are Moderate.
A westerly flow develops on Monday, pushing much of the heavy surface smoke out of Montana.
Source: HRRR-smoke
Forecast
A northerly flow will continue to drag smoke into much of the state through Monday. It will produce hazy skies and deteriorating air quality at times. However, there should be enough mixing at the surface to keep much of the smoke aloft, particularly by Sunday afternoon. Expect the usual diurnal trends in smoke behavior. As the winds ease in the evening, some smoke will drain and pool into the valleys, causing air quality values to worsen overnight and early Monday morning. A westerly flow develops by late Monday, pushing most of the heavy surface smoke out of the state.
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.
Canadian wildfire smoke continues to sag south into Montana, particularly along and east of the Continental Divide.
Source: NOAA
Summary
Air quality will gradually deteriorate on Sunday as Canadian wildfire smoke sags south into the state. A westerly flow develops by late Monday, pushing most of the heavy surface smoke out of the state.
Tags: Smoke Forecast 2025