Smoke Forecast for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:30 AM
Current Conditions
A cold front is allowing smoke from Canadian wildfires to push south into portions of northeastern Montana early Tuesday. Localized impacts can be anticipated downwind of the Hilger Valley wildfire, about 20 miles north of Helena. The fire began on Monday and has quickly grown to 318 acres.
More information on the Hilger Valley fire here
At 9:00 AM Tuesday, Sleeping Giant had air quality that was considered Unhealthy. Sidney’s air quality was Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Columbia Falls, Libby, Choteau, Great Falls, Lewistown, Glendive, Miles City, Billings, Miles City, and Broadus’ air quality are Moderate.
An easterly flow will continue to send some surface smoke into parts of northeastern Montana by Wednesday afternoon.
Source: HRRR-smoke
Forecast
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring south into parts of northeastern Montana early Tuesday behind a cold front. Expect hazy skies and some pockets of deteriorating air quality. However, good dispersion should keep much of this smoke aloft by Tuesday afternoon. Some draining and pooling of the smoke can be anticipated overnight and early Wednesday as strong surface winds subside. An easterly surface flow will continue to send smoke from Canadian wildfires into the eastern half of the state again on Wednesday. Good afternoon mixing should prevent much of this smoke from impacting surface air quality monitors. An active weather pattern between Tuesday and the end of the week will provide multiple opportunities for some beneficial rain. Stay tuned!
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.
Surface smoke remains visible early Monday, particularly across the eastern half of the state.
Source: NOAA
Summary
Some smoke from Canadian wildfires will push into parts of northeastern Montana on Tuesday behind a cold front. An active weather pattern between Tuesday and the end of the week will provide multiple opportunities for some beneficial rain.
Tags: Smoke Forecast 2025