Aug. 4, 2026: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update

The current air quality across Missoula County is Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.  See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov.

Smoke conditions have improved from yesterday evening and morning as a localized northerly wind dispersed smoke south. Transport winds are coming out of the northwest with a slightly stronger northerly component this morning and moving smoke from Washington and Canada towards Missoula County. Most of that smoke will likely be sent south and southwest of us, particularly across central Idaho. We will still continue to receive smoke from fires in Washington and Canada in the next couple of days. Come Thursday, transport winds will start shifting again with a more westerly, southwesterly direction pulling smoke from Oregon again. 

Check out regional fire information at Inciweb.wildfire.gov. 

 GOES West satellite imagery

When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or Orange on the Air Quality Index, sensitive groups should limit their exposure to the smoke outside/PM2.5 in the air. Keep in mind that wildfire smoke exposure affects everyone diversely and even if you’re not considered a sensitive group, you may be sensitive to smoke and air pollution. The term Sensitive Groups is a catchall for those likely to have a higher sensitivity to air pollution and includes but isn’t limited to: people with heart or lung disease, older adults (65+), children under the age of 18 (but younger children are at higher risk), pregnant persons, minority populations, outdoor workers, and persons living outdoors.

There are several ways you can reduce your exposure to smoke. Here’s a list of what you can do:

1.    Go to a place with clean indoor air or create one at home/work
2.    Reduce duration and intensity of outdoor activity, especially strenuous activity
3.    Wear a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask (unless if impedes breathing)
4.    Run vehicle A/C on recirculate instead of pulling smoky outside air into the car

Smoke conditions can change quickly and throughout the day as dispersion improves. Notice that it looks a little nicer? Check Fire.AirNow.Gov to see what the current air quality is. And when we have times of respite from the smoke, enjoy some time outside. Your local air quali-kitty, Mushu, knows that eventually this smoke season will end and the skies will be clear!