air quality

Wildfire smoke from Canada, and the smoke from fires within Montana dropped the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Montana by dozens of points on Wednesday. Thursday isn't looking too promising either with Air Quality Alerts and Heat Advisories in effect for large portions of the state.

Very unhealthy air is blowing into Montana from Canada, with Dense Smoke Advisories being issued on Wednesday for several counties in northeast Montana.

After a weekend of decent blue skies, towns in western Montana are back to 'Very Unhealthy" air quality index numbers of 200+. The skies are hazy and you can taste the smoke in the air.

Currently, China and India have cleaner air than we do. Wildfire smoke got serious this weekend and Montana has some of the worst air quality on the entire planet right now when it comes to particulate matter. It's unhealthy in dozens of locations across the state.

We've become used to the fire season Air Quality Alerts during the summer across Montana. The terrible wildfires of the last few seasons have made them a common occurrence. However, parts of Montana are susceptible to Air Stagnation Alerts during the WINTER, stemming mostly from wood-burning stove usage.

When it comes to short term particle pollution, Missoula improved a little in 2016, but it is still one of the nation's worst.

Smoke in western Montana was especially bad this week , and according to DEQ Air Quality Meteorologist Kristen Martin, it’s not likely to get better for many more days

Over 150 homes were ordered to evacuate on Sunday morning due to the Lolo Peak Fire, with 140 more receiving evacuation warnings.

What a difference a little rain can make in an area thirsty for any moisture. Meteorologist Dan Zumpf with the National Weather Service said western Montana received a welcome rain shower on Sunday..

When Missoula schools begin their early fall sports practices, air quality will be an important consideration as to whether practices will be held outdoors or indoors.