As a whole, hourly particulate concentrations are GOOD to MODERATE across most of western Montana. Hourly concentrations are even MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in the Bitterroot Valley. Cumulative smoke exposures are still UNHEALTHY in Hamilton, and UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in Libby, Frenchtown, Missoula, Seeley Lake, and Butte. Cumulative concentrations are MODERATE in the Flathead Valley, Helena, Bozeman, Billings, Great Falls, Billings, Sidney, and Dillon. Of course with improving air quality comes improving visibility, and webcams around the state do in fact show a wider range of visibility this morning.
There is still smoke in the air over much of the state. Temperatures are expected to warm up a little more than yesterday and with much more sunshine. This will allow the atmosphere to mix during the afternoon, which may mix some of that wildfire smoke towards the ground to at least keep air quality the same or just a little worse. A ridge of high pressure will build in today, which will reinforce the stable, sinking air. The Bitterroot Valley will, again, remain the smokiest valley in western Montana, smoke from Idaho will continue to spread into other western valleys throughout the day.
There will be another update this afternoon with the latest smoke conditions, fire activity, and a full forecast. |
Please see "Today's Report and Forecast" (left). There will be another update this afternoon with the latest smoke conditions, fire activity, and a full forecast. |