EBS STAFF
Air quality has been hazy for the past few weeks, as smoke from various wildfires across Montana and the Northwest has impacted air quality in southwest Montana.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s daily smoke forecast predicted Tuesday that air will gradually improve as a trough of low pressure moves across the Northern Rockies, bringing “much-needed” rainfall and cooler temperatures across Montana.
According to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program’s interactive fire and smoke map, Big Sky’s air quality has been steadily “moderate” since July 27—on the map, moderate is orange and represents “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with Air Quality Index readings between 101 and 150.
“The rainfall should help to ease fire behavior and smoke production on existing wildfires. Apart from communities immediately adjacent to wildfires, the trough should provide a brief break from the heavy smoke we’ve endured of late,” the July 30 forecast stated.
However, the relief may be short-lived. A ridge of high pressure will move back over the Northern Rockies on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing back above-average temperatures.
“Due to warm temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity, there is a good chance for elevated fire weather conditions over parts of Montana between Friday and Saturday,” the forecast stated.
Fires continue to burn in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Idaho’s Wye Fire, directly west of the Bitterroot Valley, continued to grow over the past week to 3,500 acres and is 0% contained, according to DEQ. California’s Park Fire is currently the fifth-largest in the state’s history and remains largely uncontained. Smoke is also visible from the Jasper Wildfire Complex in Alberta, Canada.
“As the ridge builds and southerly winds return Friday and Saturday, some of the smoke from these fires will begin to move back into Montana,” the forecast stated. Even at moderate levels, smoke may cause negative health impacts for certain individuals. Find recommendations for outdoor recreation in all stages of air quality here.
