Aug. 13, 2026: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update
Posted on August 13, 2026
The current air quality across Missoula County ranges from Good to Moderate! See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov.
Finally some good news! Last night, winds shifted to blow out of the east, which helped bring cleaner air into our region. Air quality has significantly improved compared to the last several days. With Good to Moderate air quality, it’s a good day to be active outside for most people. Unusually sensitive people should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
Air quality conditions from EPA Fire and Smoke map
The easterly wind pattern is forecast to continue through tomorrow. So, aside from localized impacts from nearby fires like the Moose Mountain Fire, Silvertip Fire, Sand Creek Fire, and Bobcat Lakes Fire, we can expect generally improved air quality to continue into tomorrow. The forecast also calls for cooler temperatures and chances of rain, which should help lessen the activity of local fires. However, lightning could create new fire starts.
HRRR model near-smoke forecast for Aug. 14 at noon.
Looking ahead, southwest flow is forecast to increase again over the weekend and into next week. Unfortunately, that will likely bring smoke from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington back to our region. Those states are forecast to get less rain than us over the next few days, so fires there will likely remain active.
Remember that air quality can change rapidly, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov before you head out. And if you read yesterday’s update, you’ll also understand why it can be important to take a closer look at the Hourly PM2.5 or the Sub-Hourly graph on the EPA Fire and Smoke Map to see what the most recent PM2.5 reading is, especially if conditions are changing rapidly.
It would be a great day to take an air quali-kitty for a walk! Don’t have one? Stop by Missoula Animal Services to adopt a pet! Charlie could be your own personal air quali-kitty…